WHO Backs Flood Recovery in Benguela
Psychosocial support in Angola reached more than 200 flood-affected families in Benguela and trained 50 professionals.
World Health Organization support reached more than 200 families affected by River Cavaco floods in Benguela province, Angola, through weekly psychosocial sessions. According to figures from the provincial authorities, around 16,000 households were sheltered in emergency centers during the floods. Financial support from the Netherlands funded a three-month secondment of a mental health specialist to work with provincial health authorities and local partners. The initiative also trained 50 health and psychosocial support professionals.
Support For Flood Survivors
At the Novo Campismo reception center, 14-year-old Marta Nguene gathers stories, concerns, and news from affected families and shares them during psychosocial support sessions. She is among the people affected by the swelling of the River Cavaco, one of Benguela province’s biggest recent emergencies.
Marta Nguene, flood survivor at Novo Campismo reception center, said:
“I like talking to people and finding out how they are. One day I want to work in television,”
Training Health Professionals
WHO and provincial health service teams held regular sessions in reception centers and affected communities. The intervention trained 50 professionals to identify psychological distress, provide initial psychological care, and refer people who need specialized support.
Erna Van Goor, WHO’s head of emergencies in Angola, said:
“In such situations, many families face less visible consequences, and psychosocial support is essential to protect them and support their recovery,”
Recovery Through Hope
The mission also helped to improve coordination between health services and communities, building capacity for future emergency responses. For Marta and other flood survivors, psychosocial support provides a way to share experiences, alleviate emotional distress, and regain hope.
