CMC-Nepal implemented the JER Project with financial and technical support of CBM Global from November 2023 to February 2024. The project was implemented in Barekot and Kushe Rural Municipalities of Jajarkot District and Sanibheri Rural Municipality of Rukum West District in Karnali Province. The project aimed to enhance access to mental health and psychosocial support for individuals in the community and children in schools, build the capacity of health workers, teachers, and other stakeholders, strengthen social support systems, and promote inclusive practices in psychosocial support, relief, and recovery efforts.
Overall Objective
“Individuals and communities affected by Jajarkot earthquake 2023 have improved psychological well-being and resilience.”
Specific Objective
“Person affected by Jajarkot Earthquake have improved access to inclusive mental health and psychosocial support services.”
Result Area
Result 1: Increased access of MHPSS support services at community and school level
Result 2: Strengthened social support system through capacity building and mobilization of frontline health worker, teachers, OPDs and community group on PFA and loss/grief support communication
Result 3: Inclusive Practices promoted in MHPSS and relief and rehabilitation efforts
Major Achievements
Despite short tenure the project enhanced access to MHPSS services in community and school settings after the 2023 Jajarkot earthquake. A total of 3,758 childrens, adolescents, and community people received MHPSS services in form of PFA, grief and loss counseling, specialized mental health treatment, and home-based counseling services. Additionally, 500 households received well-being kits. The project also reached 355 pregnant and postpartum women with psychosocial support.
The project trained 303 frontline workers, including health workers, teachers, FCHVs, and members of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). They received training in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic MHPSS. The trained frontliners conducted 71 sessions on PFA and grief management in their communities, reaching 1,859 community members. Following the trainings, the municipalities became better equipped to respond to future MHPSS needs. The capacity-building initiative has built a more supportive and resilient environment for mental health services.
The project has oriented or trained 155 representatives from local government and other stakeholders on inclusive practices in MHPSS relief and recovery. One key achievement during the project period was the passage of the “Act for the Protection, Promotion, and Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2080” by Sanibheri Rural Municipality. The project also strengthened partnerships with CMC-Nepal, NFDN, HRDC, and INF, creating a strong foundation for future collaboration. In the project, a training on disability inclusion in mental health, developed by WHO and IASC, was piloted for the first time in the world.