Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings: Prevention Strategies for Crisis-Affected Populations

Introduction: Humanitarian crises such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, forced displacement, and complex emergencies expose populations to severe psychological trauma and psychosocial stressors that significantly impact mental health and wellbeing. Methods: This narrative article examines evidence-based prevention approaches for mental health problems in humanitarian settings, focusing on primary prevention strategies implemented before, during, and after crises. The InterAgency Standing Committee (IASC) MHPSS pyramid framework is used to categorise interventions. Results: Effective prevention strategies include psychoeducation, psychological first aid, community-based psychosocial activities, livelihood support, protection from violence and exploitation, family strengthening interventions, and culturally adapted resilience-building programmes. Implementation challenges include limited resources, insecurity, cultural barriers, stigma, competing humanitarian priorities, and a shortage of trained personnel. Emerging approaches integrate MHPSS into health, education, protection, and livelihood sectors rather than operating as standalone services. Conclusion: This article synthesises current knowledge to guide humanitarian practitioners, policymakers, and health professionals in implementing preventive MHPSS interventions that reduce mental health burden and promote resilience in crisis-affected populations.