Theme 13 · ACGMH 2027
Examining the mental health and psychosocial impact of conflict and displacement — highlighting the need for integrated, scalable, and culturally responsive MHPSS systems that support resilience, reintegration, and rebuilding.
Overview
This theme is part of the broader conference focus on community-based mental health systems, innovation, equity, and resilience across Africa and low- and middle-income countries.
← All ThemesArmed conflict, forced displacement, and humanitarian crises profoundly disrupt lives, social structures, and mental well-being. Across Africa, millions of people are affected by conflict-related violence, displacement, and prolonged instability — resulting in complex and layered mental health needs that extend far beyond the immediate crisis.
This theme highlights the need for integrated, scalable, and culturally responsive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) systems that operate effectively in humanitarian settings while supporting resilience, reintegration, and community rebuilding.
Mental health in these contexts is not optional — it is essential for survival, recovery, and the long-term rebuilding of individuals, families, and societies.
Significance
This theme addresses urgent and interconnected challenges in mental health systems, with direct implications for research, policy, practice, and communities.
High burden of trauma: exposure to violence, loss, and displacement significantly increases the risk of mental health conditions.
Prolonged instability: many affected populations live in chronic humanitarian contexts rather than short-term emergencies.
Vulnerable populations: refugees, IDPs, women, and children face heightened and compounding risks.
System disruption: health and social systems are often weakened or fragmented in conflict settings.
Opportunity for resilience: communities demonstrate a remarkable capacity for recovery when effectively supported.
Key Areas of Focus
Submissions may address any of the following focus areas, or propose related topics aligned with the conference vision.
Mental health needs across different phases of displacement
Barriers to accessing care in camps, settlements, and host communities
Integration of mental health services within humanitarian response systems
Inclusion of host communities in mental health programming
Psychological effects of exposure to violence, conflict, and loss
Post-traumatic stress, grief, and complex trauma
Impact on children growing up in conflict settings
Intergenerational transmission of trauma and adversity
Design and delivery of MHPSS in emergency and protracted crises
Coordination between humanitarian actors (health, protection, education)
Use of scalable interventions: PFA, group-based therapies, task-sharing
Challenges in maintaining quality and continuity of care
Supporting returnees and reintegration into communities
Addressing stigma and social exclusion of displaced populations
Restoring livelihoods, social roles, and identity
Linking humanitarian response to long-term development systems
Addressing risks of exploitation, abuse, and violence in humanitarian settings
Child protection and safeguarding frameworks
Gender and age-specific vulnerabilities in humanitarian contexts
Ensuring safe and ethical service delivery
Role of community networks in supporting recovery
Collective coping strategies and cultural practices
Community-led approaches to mental health and wellbeing
Building resilience in the face of ongoing adversity
National and regional policies on refugee and humanitarian mental health
Coordination between governments, NGOs, and international agencies
Transition from emergency response to sustainable systems
Capacity building of local actors and institutions
Cross-Cutting Considerations
Human Rights
Ensuring dignity, protection, and access to care for all affected populations
Equity
Reaching the most vulnerable, including women, children, and persons with disabilities
Localization
Empowering local actors and communities in response efforts
Integration
Linking MHPSS with health, education, and protection systems
Sustainability
Moving from short-term response to long-term recovery and resilience
Guiding Questions
How can mental health systems effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations?
What models of MHPSS work best in humanitarian and conflict-affected settings?
How can services transition from emergency response to sustainable systems?
What strategies support long-term recovery and reintegration?
How can communities be supported to rebuild cohesion and resilience?
What role should governments and local actors play in humanitarian mental health systems?
What We Invite
Strategic Importance
This theme highlights one of the most complex and urgent areas of global mental health — underscoring the need for integrated humanitarian and development approaches, strong coordination across sectors, and systems that are both responsive and sustainable.
Ready to contribute?