The affected population, according to her, include 40 per cent of children in conflict zones have also severe emotional condition. Kaag disclosed this Monday at an International Conference on Mental Health and Psycho-social Support Summit in crisis situations in Amsterdam.She said the quality of mental health and psychosocial services, is still significantly lower than quality of physical healthcare services.
She said that the conference was convened for children, women and men branded by war and conflict.“That’s why I’m truly honoured to welcome you to Amsterdam, Netherlands for the opening of the world’s first ministerial conference on mental health and psycho-social support in crisis situations,” she said.
Speaking on mental health significance, Kaag said: “But this is an uncomfortable truth. It’s distressing; because despite all resolutions that have previously been drafted and adopted, all aid agencies, including all relief efforts that have been undertaken, mental health has never been given the status and priority that it deserves.
“War’s trauma endures long after the last bullet has been fired. And all too often, the very last step taken or bullet fired is a desperate act of self-harm.”She said adequate mental healthcare and psychosocial support are need, when number of conflicts around world is increasing along with Internally Displaced Persons and refugees.