Conflict, Displacement and Mental Health

The Global Mental Health Lecture Series

Abstract:
The past decade has seen humanitarian events that are unparalleled in the magnitude of public health catastrophe. There are currently over 21 million displaced forced migrants, the effect of conflict induced displacement have a profound ramification on the mental health and wellbeing of those affected. This seminar aims to highlight the impact of forced migration on mental health, and discuss the challenges of detecting and treating those in need of mental health support.

Session one will begin by presenting an unpublished case study on the health sector response to a humanitarian operation in Sri Lanka, followed by a presentation on mental health interventions in post-conflict populations in the region. Session two will shift the focus to mental health delivery in populations affected by conflict in Syria and Ukraine. The session will close with a panel discussion.

Speakers

• Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Heath, Sri Lanka
• Dr. Chesmal Siriwardhana, Associate Professor, CGMH, LSHTM
• Dr. Bayard Roberts, Associate Professor, Director of ECOHOST, LSHTM

Chair
Dr. Karl Blanchet, Associate Professor, Director of HHCC, LSHTM

Schedule

6:15 – 6:20 Introduction

Session 1: Conflict, displacement and health in Sri Lanka

6:21-6:50 Health Sector Response during the Humanitarian Operation in Sri Lanka

Speaker 1: Dr. Sunil De Alwis, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Heath, Sri Lanka

6:51 – 7:10 Mental Health Interventions for post-conflict populations in Sri Lanka

Speaker 2: Dr. Chesmal Siriwardhana, Associate Professor, LSHTM

Session 2: Conflict, Displacement and mental health: Current global context

7:11 – 7:30 Mental health services for populations affected by conflicts in Ukraine and Syria

Speaker 3: Dr. Bayard Roberts, Associate Professor, LSHTM

7:30-7:45 Panel discussion & Close

As Facilitator – Dr. Karl Blanchet, Associate Professor, LSHTM

Further Information

If you have any queries about the lecture series, please contact Asmae Doukani

(Asmae.doukani@lshtm.ac.uk) or Georgina Miguel-Esponda (Georgina.miguel-esponda@lshtm.ac.uk).

Registration is encouraged but not required. Seats are available on a first come first served basis.