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12:00 GMT
GENEVA, Oct 24 (KUNA) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM)
has launched a project to enhance community capacity to heal the psychosocial
scars left behind by Cyclone Nargis, the lethal storm that swept through
Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta six months ago.
IOM spokesperson Jemini Pandya said that the six-month USD 650,000 project,
which is funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID),
will be implemented in close collaboration with local and international
partners including the University of Yangon's Department of Psychology,
UNICEF, Save the Children, local NGOs, Buddhist leaders and local media.
Pandya told reporters that the project's aim is to provide community-based
psychosocial training for up to 3,000 community and religious leaders and
teachers, together with 150 local and international NGO staff working in the
delta townships of Bogale, Mawlamyinegyune and Pyapon.
IOM Regional Health Manager Dr Nenette Motus said that those trained will
bring psychosocial support to village communities in an area where some 130,
000 people died and perhaps three quarters of all housing was destroyed.
"We believe that as many as half a million people in the delta may still
need help to overcome the psychological trauma, in order to start rebuilding
their lives and livelihoods," he added. (end)
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