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Integrating mental health into post-conflict rehabilitation: the case of Sierra Leonean and Liberian 'child soldiers'.

Medeiros E

IROS, 39 Time Square, Colvestone Crescent, London, E8 2LT, UK. emiliemedeiros@hotmail.com

This report discusses the relationship between mental health care and post-conflict rehabilitation in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Data were collected during the author's involvement in mental health programmes for extremely distressed so called 'child soldiers' in both countries, as well as involvement in co-ordinating and supporting professionals in charge of the war-affected population. Analysis suggested that mental health was neglected. However consideration of mental health is crucial to rehabilitation efforts because it facilitates understanding and appropriate responses to the difficulties encountered by both professionals and demobilized youth, and needs to be incorporated into designing policy, training and interventions.

Published 18 April 2007 in J Health Psychol, 12(3): 498-504.
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