Today, Monday, the World Health Organization revealed a need for one in seven Libyans who needs mental and psychological health care as a result of the ongoing political and security crises, which were reinforced by the emergence of the Corona epidemic.
In its latest update of the epidemiological situation in Libya between 12 and 26 November, the organization stated that Coronavirus infections are the highest in the North Africa region, with 161 deaths per million people recorded, and it is the second country after Tunisia in the region, noting that during the past two weeks There was a 13% increase in the number of HIV cases compared to the two weeks covered by the status update.
Mental health conditions
The organization confirmed that the number of deaths increased by 16%, bringing the number to 1125 cases, noting that mental health cases more than doubled when the population was affected by conflict.
The organization referred to the survey conducted in 2019, which indicated that mental health services were only available in five cities, namely, Tripoli, Benghazi, Sebha, Ajdabiya and Misurata, adding that even before the start of the conflict, six hospitals, one clinic and four primary health care facilities provided mental health services.
The organization said that it will soon announce the launch of a two-year project to strengthen mental health services across the country, after it was proven that there is only one specialized mental health specialist for every 300,000 people in Libya.
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