CMC-Nepal, with support from CBM Global, implemented Inclusive Community Mental Health Program (ICMHP) from January 2020 to December 2022. The project was implemented across five local rural/municipalities of Surkhet and Dailekh Districts: Bheriganga, Barahatal, Simta, Narayan, and Dullu. The project operated in close coordination with local governments, reinforced by MoUs. CMC-Nepal collaborated with Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and the Department of Health Services (DoHS) at federal level and MoSD Karnali at provincial level for the project.
The overarching aim of the project was to enhance the quality of life of people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disability in partnerships with local governments. Through capacity building, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns, the project supported to integrate mental health and psychosocial support services into local health systems. It also encouraged self-advocacy among persons with mental health conditions and their families through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and SHG Networks.
ICMHP directly supported 4,342 individuals in accessing mental health services through 15 local health facilities within the project areas. It provided training to 77 health personnel in MHPSS and facilitated the establishment of five psychosocial counseling centers. Additionally, it empowered 13 SHGs and effectively advocated for the inclusion of mental health in local policies, with SHGs actively engaging in advocacy and community outreach efforts. Livelihood support and health insurance linkages were extended to beneficiaries, facilitating their recovery and integration into the community. Extensive awareness programs reached 8,354 individuals at the community level and 4,693 individuals through school mental health awareness initiatives. Despite challenges, such as difficulties in health insurance linkage and accessibility of disability cards, accessibility initiatives were pursued.
A significant achievement of the project was the development of the Karnali Province Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy Plan and five Municipal Mental Health Policies. Moreover, the project successfully campaigned for budget allocations for mental health at both local and provincial levels, complemented by government efforts to enhance the supply chain of psychotropic medicines.
The end line evaluation of the project showed that despite obstacles, the project achieved positive outcomes, as evidenced by improved access to services, heightened beneficiary satisfaction, and a positive shift in community perceptions of mental health and rights of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disability.