IOM Mozambique invites qualified and experienced organizations to submit expressions of interest for the provision of trainings services on specialized protocol for the treatment of traumatic stress in July 2024 in Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique. This initiative is part of IOM’s portfolio on MHPSS projects in Mozambique, focusing on Cabo Delgado.

Timeline

Posted (date)

1st June 2024

Application Deadline

13th June 2024

Implementation Start Date

1st July 2024

Implementation End Date

30st July 2024

IOM BACKGROUND

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is increasingly called upon by States to assist in addressing complex border management challenges and act with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management.

Project summary

Cabo Delgado has been grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by armed conflict, displacement, and insecurity but is also exposed to climate shocks. The region has witnessed a significant increase in violence, leading to widespread trauma and psychosocial distress among the population. The protracted conflict has exacerbated existing mental health challenges and created new ones, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and grief. Studies indicate a high prevalence of mental health disorders among conflict-affected individuals[1], with limited access to appropriate care and support services. The conflict has triggered massive internal displacement[2], with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes in search of safety. Displaced populations often face heightened vulnerability, including inadequate access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, further exacerbating their mental health and psychosocial needs.Cabo Delgado faces significant challenges in terms of limited resources and capacities to address mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs effectively. The healthcare infrastructure is strained, with a shortage of trained mental health professionals and insufficient resources allocated to MHPSS services.

Scope of work

Cabo Delgado faces a severe shortage of trained mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses. Many individuals in need of specialized care are unable to access timely and appropriate interventions. Without specialized interventions tailored to their unique needs, vulnerable individuals may remain at increased risk of developing chronic mental health conditions and experiencing long-term psychosocial impairment. The complex nature of trauma, the high prevalence of mental health disorders, limited access to quality care, stigma, and cultural barriers highlights the critical need for specialized mental health services in Cabo Delgado. These services should be tailored to address the unique needs of conflict-affected populations and delivered by skilled professionals trained in trauma-informed approaches.This justification underscores the importance of prioritizing and investing in specialized mental health services to effectively address the mental health needs of communities in Cabo Delgado.

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, in January 2021 and has brought together MHPSS stakeholders working in the province to help structure the humanitarian response.

MHPSS TWGs provide a forum to share all of these experiences, skills and knowledge between members and, importantly, to leverage individual expertise so that it benefits the collective response. Training in specialized mental health interventions, particularly in areas such as Cabo Delgado exposed to many shocks (attacks and natural hazards), is paramount for effective support. With the region grappling with significant mental health challenges stemming from conflict and displacement, equipping MHPSS partners with innovative protocols can be transformative. Such training should offered a structured approach to address trauma, providing tools to mitigate the effects of acute stress on individuals and communities. Through such interventions, these NGOs can offer more targeted and effective assistance, fostering resilience and aiding in the healing process amidst adversity. The expertise brought by external consultants specialized ensures that frontline workers are equipped with the latest evidence-based practices, enhancing their capacity to address the unique mental health needs of Cabo Delgado’s population. IOM Mozambique is looking for a partner that can share innovative approaches for specialized mental health care, and can quickly roll out context-specific, and beneficiary focused mental health training. The selected organization will be responsible for conducting in-person trainings in the specified location. The training activities aim to teach AIP-informed treatment procedures and protocols for early intervention and ongoing traumatic stress. Trainees will be taught how to utilize these treatment procedures in individual and group formats. The training will target mental health partners in Cabo Delgado that will be then delivered by the partners to people exposed to shocks in the communities across the province.

Districts

Communities

Number of beneficiaries

Pemba

In close collaboration with IOM, the service provider will implement interventions as outlined under the following key deliverables:

Training of mental health providers to effectively and safely provide Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) informed interventions to decrease or eliminate symptoms of acute stress, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.

1 training for each protocol including field supervision sessions for all participants in the course of the training.

Procurement and delivery of materials to implement planned training activities

100% of materials identified in the procurement plan are delivered and used by the project end date

Objective

The proposed training program aims to address the critical need for mental health interventions in contexts with limited resources.

To equip trainees with the skills necessary to provide low and middle-intensity mental health interventions.
To train participants in AIP-informed treatment procedures and protocols for early intervention and ongoing traumatic stress.
To enable trainees to utilize treatment procedures effectively in both individual and group settings.
Trainees will learn techniques for early intervention and ongoing traumatic stress management.
The training will emphasize practical application and skill development.

Participants

2 groups of MHPSS staff will be join either the first or the second training (12 and 6 participants respectively). Participants will also be selected based on their global participation to the MHPSS TWG.

Participant Identification criteria:

Work directly with beneficiaries
Participate actively in the training
Commit to apply the protocols
Follow-up on the action plan after the training
Must be able to create a relaxed environment for the participants through the ability to maintain a calm and non-anxious presence and attitude.
Must feel comfortable being around distraught or “heavy” emotions, such as crying, sobbing, anger, and distress.

Work methodology

The training is intended to be participatory.

Animation of training modules (PowerPoint presentation)
Group work with restitution in plenary
Case studies and exchanges of experiences
Scenarios and role plays
Videos and discussions
Evaluation of participants’ knowledge at the beginning and end of the workshop via pre-tests and post-tests.

1) Training –consists of the above 2 levels of training. Each level includes 1.5 – 2 days of classroom learning.

2) Fieldwork – Each level includes a fieldwork component where trainees will be providing the interventions in the field to participants of the organization’s programs or within their community. The group interventions will be provided to participants in a group setting with approximately 5-10 participants for each trainee. 1 to 1 fieldwork will be conducted for the individual interventions.

Holding of the training

The training will be facilitated by a consultant and supported by the MHPSS TWG. The training location would be in Pemba, Cabo Delgado. The training will be facilitated in both English and Portuguese. The training will take place beginning of July tentatively.

Supervision activities will take place in Pemba district with support of organizations working in the district.

Stakeholder Involvement

The Technical Working Group for Cabo Delgado will provide support and oversight throughout the training program. An EMDR-trained Approved Consultant will play a crucial role in training, supervision, and quality assurance.

Resource Allocation

Funding and resources required for curriculum development, training delivery, and supervision will be provided by the TWG which will also ensure adequate support for the successful implementation of the training program.

Evaluation and Reporting

A pre and post test will measure the improvement of knowledge
Structured field supervision will help monitor the practice of the protocols
A final report summarizing the outcomes, challenges, and recommendations will be submitted by the Technical Working Group

Deliverables

– Training report

– Completed pre and post training tests

– Evaluation of participants’ satisfaction following the training

– Pictures of the session

Training Firm Qualifications

Valid proof of registration from a relevant authority: Accreditation and registration documents must be attached to the proposal.
Similar experience of conducting post project assessments and evaluations and targeting displaced communities – At least 3 years relevant assignments
Demonstrate the capacity to deploy staff in the target sites within a short period of time
Demonstrate measures/guidelines/tools for quality assurance
Required skills – Thorough understanding of design, management and conducting training services with at least 3 years’ experience .
Desired knowledge – Understanding of training services in traumatic stress.
Knowledge of Portuguese and local Languages is an added advantage.

[1] Charlson, F., van Ommeren, M., Flaxman, A., Cornett, J., Whiteford, H., & Saxena, S. New WHO prevalence estimates of mental disorders in conflict settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2019;394,240–248.

[2] https://dtm.iom.int/reports/mozambique-movement-alert-report-106-17-26apr2024