Report on Health Camp for Survivors of Torture and Their Families

 Report on Health Camps for Survivors of Torture and Their Families

Organized by JanMitra Nyas (JMN) Staff

Introduction:
In July and August 2024, JanMitra Nyas (JMN), with support from CRY (Child Rights and You) and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, organized 9 free health camps across Musahar villages. These camps aimed to provide focused medical assistance to survivors of torture and their families, with particular attention to the health and well-being of children.

Objective:

  • To deliver critical healthcare and psycho-social support to survivors of torture.
  • To address the nutritional and health needs of children in vulnerable families.
  • To improve access to essential medicines and healthcare services in marginalized communities.

Details of the Camps:

  • Locations: The health camps were held in 9 villages across Musahar communities in Badagaon, Harahua, and Arajiline blocks. Villages included:

    • Anehi
    • Dallipur
    • Hamirapur
    • Badagaon
    • Barhikala
    • Kharawan
    • Paramanandapur
    • Aura
    • Puari Khurd

  • Period: July and August 2024.

Support for Survivors of Torture:
The camps provided specialized medical care to survivors, funded by the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, including:

  1. Medicines:

    • 4 Aerocort Inhalers and 4 Eldevip Capsules.
    • Wound treatment medicines for two survivors requiring urgent care.
    • 81 antioxidant supplements distributed to survivors and their caretakers to aid recovery and immunity.

  2. Psycho-Social Support:

    • Survivors received counseling and psycho-social assistance to address trauma and improve mental well-being.

Focus on Children of Survivors:
Recognizing the health challenges faced by children of survivors, the camps provided comprehensive medical care and nutritional support:

  • Outreach:

    • A total of 208 children (89 girls and 93 boys) received treatment for common ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and malnutrition.
    • 8 severely undernourished children were referred to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC) for further treatment.

  • Mapping and Intervention:

    • 156 children in the red weight category (Severely Underweight - SUW) were identified and their condition was shared with the Government Primary Health Center (PHC) for sustained intervention.

Collaboration and Funding:

  • CRY Funding: Covered the costs of organizing the medical camps.
  • UN Trust Fund Support: Paid for specific medicines and mobilization of survivors and their families.
  • Government Support: PHCs provided additional medicines and healthcare services.

Conclusion:
The 9 health camps successfully provided critical healthcare to survivors of torture and their families, addressing both immediate and long-term health needs. The dedicated focus on children underscores JMN’s commitment to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma. These efforts were made possible through collaborative partnerships and funding support from CRY and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture.

JMN remains steadfast in its mission to empower survivors and improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities.










Key Achievements

The UN Trust Fund’s support was instrumental in achieving several key outcomes:

  1. Distribution of Essential Medicines:

    • Aerocort Inhalers: 4 inhalers were distributed to survivors experiencing respiratory issues.

    • Eldevip Capsules: 4 capsules were provided to individuals requiring specific nutritional support.

    • Wound Treatment: Medicines were supplied to two survivors with untreated wounds, enabling proper care and healing.

    • Antioxidant Supplements: A total of 81 supplements were distributed to survivors and their caretakers, helping to improve overall health and resilience.

  2. Child Health and Nutrition:

    • The camps prioritized the health of 208 children from survivor families. Among them, 8 severely undernourished children were identified and referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) for specialized care. This intervention not only addressed immediate health concerns but also helped prevent long-term developmental issues.

  3. Community Engagement and Awareness:

    • The camps served as platforms to raise awareness about the importance of health and well-being among marginalized communities. Survivors and their families received guidance on maintaining hygiene, managing stress, and accessing healthcare services.

Psycho-Social Support

Recognizing the deep psychological impact of torture, JMN integrated psycho-social support into the health camps. Survivors had the opportunity to engage with trained counselors who provided a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Caretakers also benefited from these sessions, gaining insights into supporting their loved ones through the recovery process.

Addressing Intergenerational Trauma

The health camps emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma within families. By including children in the intervention, JMN sought to ensure that the next generation does not inherit the physical and emotional burdens of their parents. Nutritional support, health check-ups, and referrals to specialized care were key components of this effort.

Challenges Faced

While the health camps achieved significant milestones, several challenges were encountered:

  1. Logistical Constraints:

    • Organizing nine camps across remote villages required extensive coordination and resources. Transportation of medical supplies and personnel was particularly challenging.

  2. Stigma and Mistrust:

    • Some survivors were initially hesitant to participate due to mistrust of external interventions and the stigma associated with their experiences. Community mobilization efforts helped address these concerns.

  3. Resource Limitations:

    • The demand for healthcare services exceeded the available resources, highlighting the need for continued funding and support.

Lessons Learned

The success of the health camps underscores the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and a holistic approach to recovery. Key lessons include:

  1. Building Trust:

    • Establishing rapport with communities is crucial for effective intervention. Engaging local leaders and volunteers played a vital role in building trust.

  2. Integrated Services:

    • Combining physical healthcare with psycho-social support ensures a more comprehensive approach to recovery.

  3. Focus on Children:

    • Addressing the needs of children is essential for breaking the cycle of trauma and ensuring long-term community resilience.

Conclusion

JMN’s health camps, supported by the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, have made a tangible difference in the lives of survivors and their families. By providing essential healthcare services, addressing intergenerational trauma, and raising awareness, these camps have laid the foundation for a healthier and more resilient community. However, the challenges faced underscore the need for sustained efforts and resources to expand the reach and impact of such initiatives.

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