Phnom Penh (FN), Sep 16 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA), the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), will host the sixth installment of its Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This five-day event, scheduled from September 16 to 20, 2024, marks a milestone in ARMAC’s continued efforts to enhance victim assistance across ASEAN.
Building on the success of five previous training sessions organized under the 'Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States' (Victim Assistance or VA) Project, the upcoming ToT will focus on strengthening mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive ordnance (EO) in the region. Since its launch in 2022, this project has empowered 247 trainees—comprising medical professionals, community workers, and survivor networks—greatly advancing regional capabilities in victim assistance.
Psychosocial Care: The Next Frontier
ARMAC’s Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by victims: "This program allows us to tackle the psychological scars that persist long after the physical wounds have healed. Partnering with SingHealth will empower local professionals to provide essential mental health services, creating a sustainable network of support across ASEAN."
H.E. Ms. Teo Lay Cheng, Singapore’s Ambassador to Cambodia, echoed these sentiments: " Today’s event is a powerful testament of our collective dedication to improving mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Singapore is proud to support this initiative, and our partnership with ARMAC reflects our shared goal of enhancing healthcare systems across ASEAN, especially for communities impacted by conflict.
The training will be held at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and will cover trauma management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), therapeutic communication, and practical tools for supporting survivors emotionally. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience through role-playing exercises and case studies, ensuring that they are well-equipped to train others in their respective communities.
A Regional Focus on Victim Assistance
The collaboration between ARMAC, CMAA, and SingHealth highlights the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing the long-term needs of EO survivors. H.E Mr. Sophakmonkol Prum, Vice President of CMAA, emphasized the necessity of such programs: "Cambodia has been severely affected by landmines and ERW. By enhancing psychosocial support, we can ensure that survivors are not only physically rehabilitated but also mentally resilient."
In addition to the Vice President of CMAA, the training will also feature participation from the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Cambodia, further underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing healthcare for mine victims.
A Milestone in Regional Cooperation
This sixth ToT session is a significant step in ARMAC’s broader strategy of building regional expertise in psychosocial victim assistance. This collaboration will foster a self-sustaining model where local trainers can continue this vital work in their communities, making a lasting impact
ARMAC and its partners extend their deepest appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for their generous support in funding this project. Their continued commitment has been instrumental in ensuring that victims across ASEAN receive the comprehensive care they need.
The event will conclude on September 20, with participants receiving certification as accredited trainers, capable of passing on their expertise to others in their respective countries.
ARMAC: Leading the Charge in Humanitarian Mine Action
Since its establishment, ARMAC has played a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war. By collaborating with leading institutions like SingHealth, ARMAC is reinforcing its position as a center of excellence in victim assistance, ensuring that the physical and psychological needs of survivors across the ASEAN region are met.
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