Panama: Workshop on mental health protection in disaster situations

On April 19-20, a workshop on mental health protection in disaster situations was organized in Panama by the National Mental Health Program of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) with the collaboration of the Social Security Fund and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The two principal objectives of this workshop were to provide an update to those responsible for mental health in the 14 health regions of the country and national hospitals, and to review the mental health component in national and regional emergency plans. Thirty-five health professionals attended the workshop, and they received the "Practical guide for mental health in disaster situations" from PAHO and the "IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) Guide on mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies and catastrophes." 

The workshop was opened by Itza Barahona de Mosca, Panama’s General Sub-Director of Health, and by Joaquín Molina Leza, PAHO/WHO Representative in Panama.