As mentioned last week, the BBC World News programme discussed the topic of mental health for aid workers. I was asked to provide statistics to support the segment, which were taken from research in my book.
The below figures highlight the need for organisations to implement a good trauma management programme and best practice psychosocial support:
- 20% of aid workers felt they were not offered sufficient mental health support
- 30% had symptoms of PTSD
- The risk of sexual violence against aid workers has increased by 25% over the last two years
- There has been an increase of 33% in the risk of kidnaping and hostage taking over the past three years
Programme guest Michael Bociurkiw, a global affairs analyst, agrees that these statistics are shocking in themselves and that organisations are not doing enough to support their staff on the front line. There are more conflicts happening and people jump from one placement to another without any time off, compounding already overworked and stressed staff. Donors need to press organisations to support staff, giving them enough funds so people can have time off to recuperate and get access to much-needed counselling.
Watch the full interview below.
