UCF

Mental Health Program

Women and girls in Nakivale Refugee Camp experience high levels of trauma, stress, and
psychological distress due to exposure to violence, displacement, poverty, and prolonged
instability. Many have survived sexual and gender-based violence, loss of family members,
forced migration, and ongoing deprivation of basic needs. These experiences place women at
increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, social isolation,
and harmful coping behaviours, including suicide and survival-based prostitution.

This Mental Health Plan adopts a trauma-informed, gender-responsive, community-based
approach that integrates psychosocial support, physical wellbeing, spiritual care, and social
empowerment. The program recognises the resilience of refugee women while addressing the
structural and psychological factors affecting their mental health.

Supported by Trauma Counsellor, Fayez Nour, the mental health program aims to:

• reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression among refugee women and girls
• Strengthen emotional resilience and coping skills
• Improve social connection and peer support
• Promote psychological safety and dignity