Mental health and psychosocial response after the worst natural disaster in the history of the Maldives

Abstract

The Maldives as a geographically diverse nation had to face tsunami with a number of key issues in hand. These included large geographical spread of islands, varied levels of communication across islands and internal displacement of people. One third of the total population was directly or indirectly affected. All except nine inhabited islands were partially or totally flooded. Although the total loss of life was limited the effect on the population was tremendous. The cost to the economy was 62% of the annual GDP. The government not only assigned high priority to mental health and psychosocial support activities after the tsunami but took charge of training and support measures. The community outreach programme provided psychosocial support to every affected person. This was provided by local Maldivians, who were appropriately trained, thus making it culturally and technically appropriate. Long-term plans for mental health and psychosocial aspects of disaster preparedness have been initiated. The experiences of the tsunami disaster has provided an opportunity to review the existing state of mental health services in the Maldives and to develop a plan to meet the mental health and psychosocial needs of the community. A rapid and appropriate response to a disaster depends on an existing policy structure and system, and an ability to mobilize these plans.