Better MHPSS system for emergencies

Ukraine-Albania Collaboration on Strengthening MHPSS Capacity After the 2019 Earthquake

In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Albania on 26 November 2019, the National Psychological Association (NPA) of Ukraine partnered with the Order of Psychologists of Albania (OPA) to deliver a capacity-building mission focused on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The earthquake, which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale, killed 52 people, injured hundreds, and left thousands traumatised. In the absence of coordinated state response in the early days, OPA mobilised 350 volunteer psychologists to provide psychological first aid across 53 affected areas. Recognising the urgent need for long-term MHPSS systems, OPA appealed to international partners, with Ukraine being the first to respond.

From 14 to 17 January 2020, Dr Vitalii Klymchuk, Vice-President of the NPA, led a field mission to Tirana, during which three major workshops were conducted for local psychologists and MHPSS professionals. The mission aimed to enhance the capacity of Albanian professionals to deliver evidence-based psychosocial interventions, support the development of a sustainable national MHPSS system, and promote ongoing cooperation between Albania and Ukraine in the field of trauma and crisis psychology.

The first workshop, “How Can We Build a Better MHPSS System for Emergencies?”, held on 14 January at the OPA headquarters, brought together representatives from national agencies and international NGOs including Save the Children, World Vision, Terre des Hommes, and others. Participants examined Albania’s MHPSS response gaps, received training on the IASC MHPSS pyramid and WHO’s scalable interventions (e.g., mhGAP, Problem Management Plus), and used complexity management tools to envision best- and worst-case future scenarios. The workshop concluded with action points focused on resource sharing, interagency coordination, capacity building, and strategic funding.

On 15–16 January, the second workshop titled “Introduction to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for PTSD” was held at the Mediterranean University and attended by 140 psychologists. The workshop addressed trauma impacts, PTSD assessment, and evidence-based treatment methods for adults.

The final session on 17 January focused on child and adolescent mental health. The workshop introduced two group-based, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural interventions: Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT, UK) and Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET, USA). These interventions were presented as effective models for use in school and community settings.

The Ukrainian-Albanian collaboration served as a model of international solidarity and knowledge exchange. It reinforced the need for systematic training in crisis psychology and promoted evidence-based practices as a foundation for post-disaster recovery. Participants expressed enthusiasm for continued learning and highlighted the relevance of these interventions in responding not only to earthquakes, but also to other large-scale emergencies.