When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015, more than 8,000 people were killed and thousands more injured. Homes were destroyed and livelihoods ground to a halt as families took in the extent of the devastation.
When disasters like these happen, they leave mental as well as physical scars. That’s why we’re training health staff in psychological and social care, so that they can deal with their own trauma and help other families cope better. In addition to this training, we are also providing psychological support directly to children and families, establishing quiet places for mothers and young children to facilitate breastfeeding and rest, and providing children with a safe space to play.
Hear directly from Dr. Shanti Joshi, Deputy Director of a maternity hospital in Kathmandu and Nuria Diez, an ACF International Psychologist about the situation on the ground.
Photo by © Daniel Burgui Iguzkiza 2015/ACF International