Interaction program at Kanchanpur

On August 27, 2019, TPO organized an interaction program at two different municipalities in Kanchanpur district; Mahendranagar and Suklaphata municipality. The interaction was facilitated by Mr. Suraj Koirala and Mr. Pitambar Koirala from TPO Nepal while International Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (IRCT) supported the event financially.

The major topic of the discussion was the global and national context of mental health e followed by the policy level gaps and achievements, especially, in context of Nepal. Similarly, case studies related to civil war victims related to torture and the ongoing mental and psychosocial issues even after 12 years post conflict period were presented.

In Mahendranagar, the interaction program was led by Head of District Co-ordination Committee, Fairu Tamang where Deputy- Mayor, Municipality, chief executive officer were presented. Similarly, all the Ward Presidents from 19 wards of Bhimdatta municipality, Municipality different Section Chiefs   and other related stakeholders were participated. Altogether there were 37 participants in the program.

Likewise, the program at Suklaphata Municipality was led by Mayor, Dil Bahadur Ayer. As many as 37 participants were present which included Deputy Mayor, Ward Presidents, members from executive body, chief administration officer and other representatives.

The interaction program increased awareness regarding issues on mental health and psychosocial well-being among the participants. Similarly, the discussion also assisted them on how to plan mental health activities and programs at local level and on ways to build mental health strategy including budget allocation.

The participants from the local authorities gave a commitment on prioritizing and incorporating mental health related strategies and activities at local levels with the technical support form TPO Nepal.