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The Ministry of Health in a release said it is committed to fulfilling all the needs of the victims and relatives affected by the fire that destroyed the girl’s dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School that claimed the lives of 19 children.
A tragedy has occurred in our country and there is a need for a concerted effort, the ministry noted. Pointing out that the medical and mental health situations represent an urgent challenge the ministry said it deeply grateful to all the private groups and international bodies that have offered and have been providing support in the medical, mental health and other social support responses.
“We strongly urge all the local private groups that are offering support for the medical and mental health responses to coordinate and integrate their efforts with the national programme. Working separately can create duplication, and confusion and more harm than good can result from independent efforts.”
According to the ministry a national mental health response backed by highly reputable international partners and based on World Health Organisation (WHO)-validated guidelines and evidence-based interventions have been put in place. This ministry pointed out the national programme could benefit and be strengthened by all organisations with a genuine desire to help collaborate and work together.
Acknowledging the intense and generous desire of many organisations to make a meaningful contribution as the country rally to a the crisis in Mahdia, an appeal is being made to those desirous of playing a part in the national mental health response to work and integrate their efforts through the ministry.
Providing support to families
The ministry said it is presently working with PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, Mount Sinai, Northwell and Columbia University in putting “together a comprehensive, acute, short-term, medium-term and long-term mental health response programme built on a strong Psychological First-Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) response.” Support is also being provided from international partners and local partners critical for the effectiveness of PFA and SPR. “In this context, the MOH welcomes the offer of support from partners, both local and international, as we deliver a national comprehensive evidence-based response to those most in need.”
The ministry said continuous support would be provided to the survivors and their families to provide dedicated care wherever needed. Further, a needs assessment was provided with relatives and community leaders with no effort spared to provide the required assistance to help them to face these difficult times, the ministry sought to assured.
Some of these include Psychological First-Aid through counselling for relatives of those who perished and the wider student population and faculty of the Mahdia Secondary School. Relatives are also be transported from Region Eight so that they can be with their loved ones who are receiving treatment in Georgetown, in addition to food, clothing and other supplies provided to the community through efforts by various ministries and organisations, coordinated by the military.
In light of several speculations circulating on the welfare and well-being of the students hospitalised and their families, especially on social media, we urge all Guyanese not to spread theories and speculation regarding the fire, its causes, its consequences and the pain and suffering relatives are facing. The next weeks will be crucial for local communities and families to recover their physical and psychological health. Let us all focus on supporting the grieving families and children, the teachers and first responders who were at the scene, who are going through unimaginable pain.
Role of formal media and social media influencers
The ministry said they are urging both the formal media and social media influencers to be sensitive to the challenge we face, and whilst the institution cannot prevent persons from reporting or publishing social media events that are real or rumoured caution is being urged.
“We are available twenty-four hours if verification of events is needed. As far as possible, we will share information. Some of the times, we have to be sparing with the information we provide. We ask that the media trust us and that they respect the need for confidentiality and privacy.”
Mental health teams are providing support in Georgetown to all the affected families that must be in Georgetown at this time, in addition, expanded mental health teams are in Mahdia and Region 8, it was stated. “These teams are under the supervision of the MOH. Private individuals and organisations who are desirous of helping can contact us and we will integrate such individuals and organizations into the interventions occurring in Georgetown and Mahdia and other parts of the country.
In reporting mental health issues, the media is ask the media and social media influencers to be particularly sensitive to information shared. “We all have the interest of the people in Mahdia and the villages of Region Eight as priorities. In reporting on certain matters, there are international guidelines. Please adhere to these guidelines. Reporting must be shaped by factors such as concern for grieving families; attempting.”
