Amman, July 19 (Petra) – Minister of Social Development, Wafaa Bani Mustafa, on Sunday met with World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Jordan, Dr. Iman Shankiti, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in several areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Bani Mustafa highlighted efforts of the National Psychological Support Team, who receives direct government attention as part of strengthening national preparedness for psychosocial response during crises and disasters.
Bani Mustafa noted this goal is achieved under a national, institutional, and sustainable system for psychological support, based on "systematic" training, which aims to orchestrate efforts and build an "integrated" national network for psychological support, in accordance with the best practices and international standards.
On its significance, she stated investing in mental health and psychosocial support is "key" for strengthening social cohesion and protecting the most vulnerable groups, particularly children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
She also urged cooperation in the psychosocial rehabilitation field for targeted groups and training qualified personnel in several ministries, institutions, and relevant bodies, which would enhance institutional coordination among the various partners.
Commending the partnership with the WHO, she said this collaboration supported and developed protocols and guidelines adopted within the crisis and disaster response system, particularly in the area of mental health and psychosocial support for targeted groups.
For her part, Shankiti noted the ministry's "significant" efforts in protecting targeted groups, expressing her aspiration to develop cooperation and partnership avenues to better serve the most vulnerable groups.
//Petra// AG
