Damascus Workshop Discusses Improving Child Mental Health Services
A three-day specialized workshop on children’s mental health in Syria concluded recently at the Caesar Palace Hotel in Damascus. The event, hosted by the ‘Future of Syria’s Bright Future’ organization with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), focused on evaluating the current state of mental health services for children and identifying the practical steps required to improve the sector. A primary objective of the gathering was to establish effective mechanisms for coordination between relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Hilal, a mental health and psychosocial support consultant with the organization, emphasized the urgent need for a unified framework to synchronize efforts and strengthen the child mental health system. The workshop brought together a diverse group of professionals, including psychiatrists, educational experts, and representatives from both non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
During the sessions, Dr. Abu Hilal presented findings from recent field research, which highlighted the necessity of establishing a central body to oversee coordination between government, private, and civil sectors. Such a body is seen as essential for ensuring the delivery of integrated care for children. Furthermore, he highlighted the achievements of a year-long training project in child psychiatry. This initiative equipped 30 participants—including resident physicians, psychologists, and educators—with the skills to function within multidisciplinary teams, enabling them to provide psychological assessment, pharmacological treatment, and specialized care for children with disabilities.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Baso, a participating psychiatrist, stressed the importance of activating referral pathways between various institutions. He noted that improved pathways would facilitate easier access to care centers for children and help raise awareness among families regarding available services and the specialists capable of providing necessary support.
Dr. Hatoon Tawashi, who also participated in the training program, observed that the workshops significantly enhanced the capabilities of pediatricians to manage a variety of psychological conditions. She echoed the call for a comprehensive future action plan to further develop this vital medical sector.
These initiatives are part of the ‘Future of Syria’s Bright Future’ organization’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health as a fundamental pillar for human development and social cohesion. The recent workshop aligns with broader national efforts toward universal health coverage. Notably, the Syrian Ministry of Health conducted a review in June regarding regulatory decision No. 8/T, which concerns the structure of mental health services within primary healthcare, as part of a national push to ensure equitable access to quality medical services.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
