ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center hosts advanced training in psychosocial support

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) on Monday hosted here the sixth psychosocial support training of trainers (ToT) session, aiming at strengthening mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive ordnance in the region.
The five-day event, running from Monday through Friday, marked a milestone in ARMAC’s continued efforts to enhance victim assistance across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said its news release.
The program was the collaboration among the Phnom Penh-headquartered ARMAC, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA), the Cambodian Ministry of Health, and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth).
ARMAC’s executive director Buth Rothna highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by victims, saying that the program would empower local professionals to provide essential mental health services, creating a sustainable network of support across ASEAN.
The training will cover trauma management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), therapeutic communication, and practical tools for supporting survivors emotionally, the news release said.
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.
“Cambodia has been severely affected by landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). By enhancing psychosocial support, we can ensure that survivors are not only physically rehabilitated but also mentally resilient,” said CMAA’s vice president Prum Sophakmonkol.
Teo Lay Cheng, Singapore’s ambassador to Cambodia, said the partnership with ARMAC reflected a shared goal of enhancing healthcare systems across ASEAN, especially for communities impacted by conflict.
“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,” she said.
Since its launch in 2022, this project has empowered 247 trainees, including medical professionals, community workers, and survivor networks, greatly advancing regional capabilities in victim assistance, according to the news release. ■