Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis in late February 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Czech Republic has been pivotal in integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for Ukrainian refugees into the country’s humanitarian efforts. Addressing the high levels of depression and anxiety among refugees, revealed in survey by the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ), WHO collaborated with the Czech Ministry of Health to establish a 70-member MHPSS Technical Working Group.[1] This group, comprising representatives from 27 organizations, has contributed to providing MHPSS interventions across seven regions, benefiting 247 000 Ukrainian refugees.[2][3] Key achievements include enhancing the capacity of 44 service providers, conducting over 2500 mental health consultations, and facilitating access to MHPSS services for 500 people in 2023. The work directly contributed to the country workplan output 1.1.1. aligning with the global goal of enabling countries to deliver high quality, people centred health services, thereby contributing to broader global objectives by promoting health equity and addressing disparities in healthcare access. It focused specifically on addressing the increased mental health needs of a vulnerable population, in alignment with the joint refugee response plan in the country.

In May 2022, WHO Czech Republic responded to the Ukrainian refugee crisis by establishing the MHPSS Technical Working Group (TWG). Comprising diverse stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, United Nations (UN) agencies, educational institutions, national NGOs, and responders, the aim of this group was to coordinate mental health support for refugees effectively. 

During the summer of 2022, WHO provided funding and expertise to various national MHPSS initiatives. These initiatives included summer camps for Ukrainian children organized by the Agency for Migration and Adaptation (AMIGA) and projects spearheaded by the Alliance Centre for Mental Health (ACDZ), the TRIGON Association, Society for All (SOFA), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ). A notable achievement was WHO's collaboration with NUDZ to create an online map detailing 375 MHPSS services across the nation. [4] This map, featuring user-friendly tools such as group, language, and location filters, significantly enhanced service accessibility. Other key initiatives included NUDZ's school mental health programme for teachers and caregivers and an e-learning tool on the Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA). In addition to WHO, these initiatives were supported by UNICEF and the McKinsey Institute, respectively. WHO also bolstered MHPSS outreach through campaigns designed to encourage help-seeking behaviours among Ukrainian refugees, utilizing online platforms, press releases, and videos, and providing materials in multiple languages.

To strengthen the foundations of MHPSS services, the Czech Government enhanced community mental health centers (CDZs) with a comprehensive legislative framework, a robust financing system, and a strategy to transition from hospital-based to community-based care, aligning with WHO guidelines.[5][6]

In September 2022, a NUDZ survey involving 1347 refugees highlighted high incidences of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of moderate depression or moderate anxiety affected 45% of refugees from Ukraine, particularly among women aged 18 to 39. WHO responded by distributing capacity-building materials to enhance the working group's capabilities and promoted scalable interventions including the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and Problem Management Plus (PM+). [7]

-Olena from Lutsk, Ukraine

-Maryna from Kharkiv, Ukraine

As the Ukrainian refugee crisis enters its third year, WHO continues to advocate for MHPSS, sharing insights with other refugee-receiving countries and global platforms. The challenges encountered in the Czech Republic include an overburdened healthcare system, a lack of mental health awareness among refugees, and a nascent MHPSS referral system. [8] Through addressing these challenges, key lessons have been learned about the importance of promptly identifying and resolving MHPSS issues in refugee crises and the need to transition from emergency responses to long-term solutions, including the strengthening of national MHPSS services. This work is an example of the responsive, tailored support that WHO provides to its Member States, responding to immediate needs in times of emergency, and building capacity longer-term, thus implementing “Delivering United Action for Better Health – a strategy for collaboration between the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Member States in the WHO European Region.”

WHO's efforts in the Czech Republic continue to evolve and adapt, and its dedication to providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Ukrainian refugees remains unwavering. By embracing innovative strategies, collaborating with local and international partners, and learning from on-the-ground experiences, WHO is committed to enhancing the well-being and integration of refugees into Czech society. This commitment reflects a broader vision to foster community resilience, and a brighter future for all affected by the crisis.