As she sat in the corner of her classroom, Amino Ali Mohamed could finally focus on her studies without the looming fear of another seizure. Just a few months ago, the 20-year-old nursing student from Howlwadag village in Galkacyo South felt trapped by her condition, which had turned her life into a series of unpredictable episodes filled with pain and confusion.
After enduring years of misdiagnosis and ineffective traditional treatments, Amino found hope through the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services provided by the International Medical Corps (IMC) at Galkacyo South Hospital. Amino began experiencing seizures and other debilitating symptoms three years ago while in high school.
Her family initially sought help from a local sheikh and traditional healers, believing she was possessed by evil spirits. However, Amino’s condition worsened, affecting her studies. “I felt trapped by seizures,” confirms Amino.
Her mother learned about IMC’s MHPSS services while seeking care at Galkacyo South Hospital. She was referred to the hospital, where she received a diagnosis of epilepsy and assistance from IMC’s MHPSS Assistant, a medical doctor trained in the Mental Health Gap Action Program Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG), a clinical guide developed by WHO and UNHCR for assessing and treating mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.
On October 10, 2023, Amino began treatment, including antiepileptic drugs and psychosocial support. After five months of treatment, her symptoms have reduced significantly, allowing her to resume her studies successfully.
The Importance of MHPSS in Somalia
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological disorders globally. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. WHO estimates that 10% of people worldwide experience mental health issues, with the figure rising to 20% in countries prone to war and conflict, such as Somalia.
Mental health care is limited in Galkacyo, but IMC while working with Caafimaad Plus consortium remains committed to integrating it into essential healthcare services through capacity building, quality improvement, and internal control measures.
Amino and her family are grateful for the support and now understand the importance of mental health care, which they will advocate for in their community.
“The change in Amino’s health and wellbeing is remarkable, thanks to IMC for the services at Galkayo South Hospital. Mental Health is one real challenge in our community that warrants commitment from all our community,” said Amino’s relative.
Comprehensive MHPSS Services
International Medical Corps (IMC), with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) through the Caafimaad Plus Consortium, is implementing a comprehensive integrated healthcare program that includes MHPSS services at Galkacyo South Hospital.
In Somalia, IMC’s MHPSS team under the Caafimaad Plus (the largest health and nutrition consortium in Somalia) has delivered comprehensive evidence-based services, including clinical management of priority mental, neurological, and substance use conditions, as well as community psychosocial support to individuals requiring MHPSS services. It is one of our key strategic goals to continue holding themselves to high standards and ensure the quality of our MHPSS programs.
Following treatment initiation, Amino’s symptoms reduced, enabling her to resume her studies successfully. She has been independently visiting the hospital for follow-up for the past five months.
“Thanks to your MHPSS services, I now have a new lease on life and can continue my studies without the constant fear of having a seizure,” she noted.
The story emphasizes the difference that comprehensive, evidence-based MHPSS services can make in conflict-affected areas like Somalia, where mental health issues are prevalent due to violence and disruption to the health system. Caafimaad Plus, while working with partners like IMC, is committed to providing integrated services including MHPSS services to crisis-affected families in Somalia, thanks to EU Humanitarian Aid funding.
