On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, a webinar titled “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” was held today (Thursday, October 23) at 4:00 PM, organized by Monojotno Outdoor Counseling Center under the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
The online event was moderated by Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and an international addiction specialist.
Distinguished discussants included Professor Dr. Sultana Algin, Head of the Psychotherapy Wing at Bangladesh Medical University; Nusrat Sharmin, former Acting Deputy Director and Senior Research Officer (Sports Psychology) at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP); Dr. Md. Rahanul Islam, Residential Psychiatrist at the Department of Narcotics Control; and Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Focal Person of Monojotno Outdoor Counseling Center.
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to mental health services during disasters and emergencies, the speakers underscored that mental health care must be made available, affordable, and accessible to all—particularly during times of crisis such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics. They called for sustained efforts to prevent psychological deterioration in such circumstances and to provide early intervention to minimize long-term impacts.
The discussants also noted that this year’s World Mental Health Day theme serves as a vital reminder that disasters and emergencies not only disrupt lives and environments but also leave deep psychological effects. They stressed that collective responsibility and coordinated action are essential to safeguard mental well-being—whether for direct victims, caregivers, or individuals exposed indirectly through media coverage—during times of catastrophe.
The session concluded with a call to strengthen community-based mental health programs, enhance service accessibility in rural areas, and integrate psychosocial support into national emergency response frameworks to ensure resilience and recovery for affected populations.
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