Developing a National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Palestine

AimsThe Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK, is the professional body responsible for education and training, and setting and raising standards in psychiatry. It is an increasingly international organisation with approximately a fifth of members living outside the UK. In partnership with the UK-charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), the college was invited to develop a national strategy for child and adolescent mental health in Palestine for the Ministry of Health. Children are at higher risk of developing mental illness when living in overcrowded areas with ongoing shelling, siege, and other acts of violence as is the case in Gaza. A significant proportion of Palestinian children experience serious psychological distress especially anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with children reporting not wanting to be apart from their parents. The aim of the strategy is to set key priorities for child and adolescent mental health so that funders, institutions, organizations and community members align their activities in a coordinated and efficient way.MethodsInformation was gathered from an extensive literature review and three in-person missions to visit the West Bank to meet key stakeholders from governmental and non-governemental organizations including the Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development and the only Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Halhoul, north of Hebron. A thematic meeting was held in August 2022 and a feedback meeting in December 2022. All comments and feedback were reviewed and incorporated into the final document for submission to the Ministry of Health for official approval.ResultsToday's child in Palestine bears the burden of decades of violence, conflict and hardships that have accumulated during their lives and those of their parents and grandparents. In total, 2242 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli military forces between the years 2000 and 2022. Childhood is not a given for Palestinian children, but instead something that must be determined, retrieved, and understood within a complex web of implications mandated by the dynamics of power that are in play. As a testament to the Palestinian people's ability to adapt, endure and demonstrate sumud (steadfastness), through strong family and community relations, many children show remarkable resilience. However, there are children and families who require additional support and expert care.Demand for child and adolescent mental health