Project Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for IDPs and Host Communities in Syria
Duration: 07/2020 - 06/2026
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Implementing Agency: GIZ
Geographic Focus: Northwest and Northeast Syria, with national coordination
Partners: Over 15 local civil society and health organizations
Context
Fourteen years of war, violence, displacement, and natural disasters have severely weakened Syria"s health system. Attacks on facilities and mass emigration caused a critical loss of staff, including psychologists and counsellors. Remaining professionals receive insufficient training.
Mental health needs are vast, with high rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, especially among vulnerable groups. Existing MHPSS services are insufficient due to a lack of personnel and resources. Without mental stability, people struggle to participate in peacebuilding, livelihoods, and education. Health facilities are unprepared for severe psychological conditions. Training non-specialist staff is crucial to close these gaps.
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So far, MHPSS interventions have been remotely managed from neighbouring countries, mainly targeting Northwest and Northeast Syria. Comprehensive nationwide coverage remains out of reach. Needs continue to rise, while funding has declined, causing service closures.
Project Overview
Since 2020, GIZ has implemented a dedicated MHPSS project to improve the mental health and psychosocial well-being of internally displaced persons and host communities in Syria. The project strengthens health sector resilience by building the capacities of facilities and civil society organizations to deliver effective MHPSS services.
The program adopts a context- and gender-sensitive approach, prioritizing children, adolescents, women, and people with special needs to foster resilience, prevent long-term psychological harm, and strengthen social cohesion.
Key Activities
Capacity Buildi