Include mental health in El Niño plans, experts urge government
Experts are urging the Kenyan government to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness plans for the upcoming El Niño season. They argue that climate-related disasters cause long-term psychological trauma that is often overlooked.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing recognition of the 'hidden' human costs of climate change and the need for holistic disaster management policies.
George Kimiti, Director Department of Natural Resources Kajiado County (right in a dark suit), and other senior officials keenly follow a demonstration of how the Maa Community predict the weather from a goat's intestines /HANDOUT
The government must put mental health and psychosocial support at the centre of preparations to mitigate the adverse effects of the anticipated El Niño rains, experts have said.
Dr Rosalid Nkirote, the executive advisor at the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC), said climate shocks such as floods do more than destroy homes, roads, livestock and crops and can leave lasting psychological and emotional scars on affected communities.
“Floods don’t just damage property; they affect minds and emotions,” Nkirote said.
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