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Abstract
Mental health is becoming a central issue for public health complex emergencies. In
this review we present a culturally valid mental health action plan based on scientific
evidence that is capable of addressing the mental health effects of complex emergencies.
A mental health system of primary care providers, traditional healers, and relief
workers, if properly trained and supported, can provide cost-effective, good mental
health care. This plan emphasises the need for standardised approaches to the assessment,
monitoring, and outcome of all related activities. Crucial to the improvement of outcomes
during crises and the availability to future emergencies of lessons learned from earlier
crises is the regular dissemination of the results achieved with the action plan.
A research agenda is included that should, in time, fill knowledge gaps and reduce
the negative mental health effects of complex emergencies.