Technical Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group Case Study of Sudan
摘要
This chapter presents a case study of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Technical Working Group (MHPSS TWG) in Sudan, re-established in 2024 amid escalating humanitarian needs. Against a backdrop of protracted conflict, economic hardship, and large-scale displacement, the MHPSS TWG has become a central coordination mechanism uniting government body, UN agencies, and national and international organizations. The TWG plays a pivotal role in harmonizing mental health responses, conducting service mapping, and facilitating joint needs assessments. This chapter outlines the context and rationale for the group’s establishment, describes its evolution, and explores its strategic achievements and persistent challenges. Particular attention is given to coordination mechanisms, the impact of service mapping exercises, and advocacy for integration within broader health and protection systems. The chapter further presents key lessons drawn from the group’s start-up activities and reflects on best practices from similar crisis contexts such as South Sudan and Syria. Through this lens, the Sudan MHPSS TWG offers a model for effective coordination in fragile settings, grounded in local ownership, intersectoral collaboration, and adaptive planning.