From left to right: Singaporean ambassador to Cambodia Teo Lay Cheng, CMAA vice-president Sophakmonkol Prum and ARMAC executive director Rothna Buth. CMAA
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), in cooperation with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and other key partners, launched its sixth Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on September 16 in Phnom Penh.
The five-day course represents a significant advancement in efforts to enhance mental health support for victims of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) across ASEAN, according to a September 16 ARMAC press release.
The release stated that the event, organised in collaboration with the CMAA, the Ministry of Health and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), builds upon previous initiatives aimed at improving victim assistance in the region.
It noted that since its inception in 2022, the Victim Assistance Project has successfully trained 247 individuals, including healthcare professionals, community leaders and survivor networks. These efforts have contributed to improving care for survivors of landmines and UXO, ensuring both physical and mental rehabilitation, it said.
According to ARMAC, the focus of this latest session is on mental health care, specifically addressing trauma management, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and therapeutic communication.
It said the participants will engage in practical exercises and case studies, equipping them with the skills to provide critical emotional support to survivors and to train others in their respective communities.
"This programme 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,” ARMAC executive director Rothna Buth emphasised.
Singaporean ambassador to Cambodia Teo Lay Cheng also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in the field.
"Today’s event is a powerful testament to our collective dedication to improving mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war [ERW]. 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," she stated.
ARMAC noted that the training emphasises a hands-on approach, with role-playing and case studies forming key elements of the curriculum. By the end of the programme, it said that participants will be certified as trainers, enabling them to spread their knowledge and expertise throughout their communities.
"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,” stated CMAA vice-president Sophakmonkol Prum.
According to ARMAC, the ongoing collaboration with the CMAA and SingHealth illustrates the importance of partnerships in addressing the complex needs of survivors. It also acknowledged the financial support provided by the Korean government and the ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF), whose contributions have been vital in making the project possible.
The training will conclude on September 20, with participants receiving certifications that will enable them to contribute to the ongoing regional efforts to assist UXO survivors across the bloc.
