SDC Delegation Visits GCMHP To Show Solidarity and Support

A delegation from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation visited the headquarters of Gaza Community Mental Health Programme to show support and solidarity with the staff members who have been working under war conditions and to follow up on the mechanisms of intervention used during and after the Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip.

The delegation which included Ms Mary Gelberine, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Mr Thomas Jenatsch, Deputy Director of SDC, and Mr Hussam Manna, Senior Programme Manager of the SDC office in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, were received by Dr Yasser Abu Jamei, Director General;  Dr Taysir Diab, Deputy Director for Administrative and Professional Affairs; Mr Qusai Abu Odei, Director of External Relations and Resource Development Department.  

During the visit the delegation met with the administrative and professional staff members and listened to the work mechanisms they used during the crisis and the how they were managing. The staff members also explained the nature of the challenges they faced in providing their interventions, which included the huge demand on mental health support. 

The mental health specialists in Gaza Community Center also briefed the delegation about the most psychological symptoms that they have noticed over their intervention with children, women and elder people during and after the 11-day military offensive against the coastal enclave, which was launched during the time coronavirus victims reached a peak.

At the end of the visit, the delegation expressed their appreciation for effort that GCMHP has been putting in to support the Palestinian community during a multiple crisis situation.