Impact of mhGAP-IG training on psychosocial support workers in Iraq, Egypt and Jordan: multi-country collaboration

Journal article : Review

This article reports on outcomes and lessons learned from a four-day mhGAP-IG cascade training programme delivered in 2023 to psychosocial support workers from Red Crescent Societies in Iraq, Egypt and Jordan by primary care physicians who had themselves completed mhGAP-IG training. Participants demonstrated significant gains in knowledge, confidence and competence, supported by assessments and qualitative feedback. The training improved preparedness, clarified clinical language and enhanced comfort in addressing mental, neurological and substance use disorders. This experience highlights the feasibility of cascade training as a sustainable model to strengthen front-line mental healthcare capacity in conflict-affected low- and middle-income countries.

Authors: Al-Hilali, H; Al-Taiar, H; Abbas, YA; Al-Uzri, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Journal: BJPsych International
• Pages: 1-3
• Publication date: 2026-03-06
• Acceptance date: 2026-02-06
• DOI: 10.1192/bji.2026.10101
• EISSN: 2058-6264
• ISSN: 2056-4740
• Language: English
• Keywords: primary care; mhGAP; Low- and middle-income countries; Iraq; transcultural psychiatry
• Subtype: Review