El Salvador: psychosocial and mental health support in aftermath of Hurricane Ida

After Hurricane Ida hit El Salvador last November 7, the National Government declared national disaster and the Ministry of Health noted among its priorities the development and implementation of a plan to protect mental health. 

For the emergency, the Pan American Health Organization mobilized a team of 14 experts in crisis management, damage assessment, communication, and health and mental health services, among others.  The PAHO/WHO mental health team was made up of Amalia Ayala and Ivonne Affolter (PAHO/El Salvador), and Víctor Aparicio, Subregional Advisor on Mental Health (PAHO/Panama).