Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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06 December 2010
Australia Supports Mental Health Project in Northern Province
Australia launched last week a new project to support mental health services for civilians in northern Sri Lanka. Rs.50 million (A$500,000) of Australian Government funding, through World Vision Australia in partnership with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, will go to fund community-based mental health services in the Northern Province.
People living in northern Sri Lanka have experienced prolonged conflict, displacement and poverty. As families begin resettling in their villages and re-establishing their livelihoods, mental health and well-being has been identified as an urgent and important need.
Responding to this need, the Australian funded project, implemented by World Vision, will work through the Ministry of Health and in close partnership with Health Services (Northern Provincial Council), the Medical Office of Mental Health and the College of Psychiatrists.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, HE Kathy Klugman said “There are pressing needs in the mental health sector in the north. Australia is pleased to be part of this important initiative and to partner the Ministry of Health and World Vision in support of the Government’s mental health programs in the north”. The program will fund the deployment of 40 Community Support Officers and 10 mental health service centres over the next year, to provide direct and immediate access to services.
This contribution is part of Australia’s broader development assistance for Sri Lanka which focuses on providing humanitarian and longer term development aid to help communities recover from the effects of conflict and to promote a peaceful future. The project will build and strengthen partnerships between a range Government agencies, community leaders and disconnected and isolated communities.
Australia increased its bilateral aid to Sri Lanka by A$40 million (around Rs 40 billion) bringing total aid flows to A$75 million (Rs.7.5 Billion) in the 12 months to 30 June 2010. The accelerated funding supported scaled up emergency and humanitarian assistance to support people affected by the conflict in the north and to rebuild communities. This has included early support for the repair of permanent housing, large scale demining support, the reconstruction of schools and cash grants to displaced people.
Media contact : Sally Mackay on 0773020670