Burns survivors and health workers value mental health in Armenia, one year after devastating explosion
- In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the explosion at a fuel depot in the Karabakh region, international organizations and local medical teams are providing critical medical and mental health support to burn survivors and displaced persons in Armenia.
- The long-term recovery process for burn survivors involves not only intensive physical rehabilitation to regain mobility but also addressing the deep psychological scars, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health resources and support.
- The Armenian community, showing strong solidarity, is assisting the displaced with essentials like food, water, and shelter, demonstrating resilience and emphasizing the importance of combined physical and mental health healing for refugees.
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A Year After Devastating Explosion, Community Rallies Around Trauma
In the aftermath of a devastating explosion at a fuel depot in the Karabakh region, Armenia has witnessed an unprecedented influx of refugees, many of whom have sustained severe burns. The humanitarian crisis, which has been ongoing for months, has highlighted the critical need for mental health support among the survivors and health workers alike. This article delves into the challenges faced by those affected and the efforts being made to address these issues.
The Tragic Explosion
On a fateful day in late September, a fuel depot explosion in the Karabakh region claimed the lives of over 170 people and left nearly 300 others with severe burns. The blast was so powerful that it threw people around, causing widespread injuries. Many survivors, including children and the elderly, have been left with deep burns and emotional scars. The explosion has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, with thousands of refugees pouring into neighboring Armenia.
The Humanitarian Response
In response to the crisis, international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have mobilized their resources to support the Armenian Ministry of Health. WHO has activated its emergency systems and is sending experts to the country to address the acute health needs of the displaced population. The organization has dispatched burns kits to support advanced care for severe burns patients and is also providing medicines for non-communicable diseases, covering three months of treatments for up to 50,000 persons.
Immediate Actions
- Burns Treatment: Specialized teams from Israel, Belgium, and Lebanon have been deployed to treat the injured. These teams, along with local medical staff, are working tirelessly to provide intensive wound care, debridement, skin grafts, and physical therapy to the burn victims.
- Mental Health Support: Recognizing the immense psychological impact of the trauma, WHO has also deployed a mental and psychosocial health team. This team is dedicated to providing psychological support and rehabilitation services to those affected by the explosion.
- Community Response: The local Armenian community has shown immense solidarity, providing food, water, and shelter to the displaced. However, it is clear that the mental and emotional scars of the refugees will take time to heal.
The Struggle of Recovery
Recovery from severe burns is a long and arduous process. Patients often face intense pain and the struggle to regain mobility. Edik, a survivor of the explosion, lost hope that he would ever walk again after sustaining burns over 40% of his body. However, through the dedication of medical teams like those from Samaritan’s Purse, Edik has been able to stand and walk again with the help of physical therapy.
Rehabilitation Challenges
Rehabilitation is a critical phase in the recovery process. Patients require intensive physical therapy to regain their independence and mobility. Jessica Burger, a physical therapist with Samaritan’s Purse, uses movement as medicine to help patients heal. Her work involves strategically mobilizing patients to strengthen their bodies and prevent further injuries. For some patients, this means learning to walk again; for others, it means sitting up on their own.
Long-Term Needs
The rehabilitation process for burn survivors can be lengthy, often requiring up to a year or even longer in some cases. Armenuhi Poghosyan, an Armenian rehabilitation therapist at the National Centre for Burns and Dermatology, emphasizes that rehabilitation is not just about physical recovery but also about reducing pain, improving ease of movement, and providing comfort to patients.
The Critical Role of Mental Health
Mental health support is an unmet need for long-term burn survivors. The trauma and pain associated with severe burns can lead to deep psychological scars. A study highlights the need for ongoing access to mental health resources in burn survivors, emphasizing that burn injury is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.
Addressing Mental Health
WHO and other international organizations have recognized the importance of mental health support. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has reiterated the organization’s full support for the Armenian Ministry of Health, emphasizing the need to address the mental and emotional scars of the refugees.
The Community's Solidarity
The local Armenian community has shown immense solidarity with the displaced. Volunteers are providing essential services like food, water, and shelter. However, it is clear that the refugees have left behind everything, including their homes, belongings, and the graves of their loved ones. This outpouring of support is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Armenian community.
Conclusion
The explosion at the fuel depot has left a lasting impact on the people of Armenia and those who have fled from the Karabakh region. While the physical wounds of the burns survivors are being addressed, it is equally important to focus on their mental health. The community's response to the crisis, coupled with the international support, highlights a commitment to healing that goes beyond physical recovery. As the journey towards healing continues, it is clear that mental health support will be crucial in the long road to recovery for those affected by this tragedy.
