A Delegation from the Norwegian Representative Office for the PA visits GCMHP

Ms. Helde Heralstad, the Norwegian Ambassador in Palestine and Mr. Ghassan Shakhshir, programme consultant for the Norwegian Representative Office met with Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei and a number of the heads of departments and units at the programme. The visit was aimed to introduce the delegation to the activities and services that the programme provides for the Palestinian community in Gaza.

Dr. Abu Jamei welcomed the Ambassador and the visiting delegation and accompanied them on a tour in the Gaza Community Centre in order to introduce them to the sections and activities which the centre provides. He also expressed appreciation for the continued support which Norway provides for the Palestinian people and the programme. Dr. Abu Jamei talked about the establishment of the programme on the hands of the late Dr. Iyad Alsarraj as well as the various services it provides through its three community centres. He also gave an overview of the training programmes which the programme provides in partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organisations in the Gaza Strip in addition to the High Diploma in Mental Health which the programme offers to postgraduates. The importance of this programme was also highlighted as it has produced a number of graduates, now working in international and local organisations.

Dr. Abu Jamei also gave an overview of the current economic and political situation which the population in Gaza is going through, as well as the effects of these conditions on various aspects of life in the Strip. He also pointed out the resulting challenges that the programme and its staff face on a professional and financial level in this context.

In turn, the Norwegian Ambassador enquired about a number of activities and services that the programme offers, and how they respond to the increasing needs of the Palestinian society in the current difficult situation. She thanked the programme for their offers, and for the high professional standards it offers in the field of mental health. She also emphasised the importance of continuing to cooperate with Gaza Community Mental Health Programme.

Public Relations Unit

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme