Page 11 - TWR Annual Report 2021

ANNUAL REPORT | 2021

In low- and middle-income

countries that even have a
mental health

budget, it accounts for
less than 1%
all women have access of the total health care budget.

to comprehensive, quality World Health Organization

health care services.

Noora Health

HealthRight International

Addressing Mental Health in Conflict Zones

While maternal mental health disorders present challenges for all women, they are compounded for those in war
zones where women may be ill-equipped to care for the needs of a newborn. In 2021, Together Women Rise
completed a three-year, $75,000 Sustained Grant to support HealthRight International’s Maternal Mental Health
Program. This program is the first of its kind that specifically targets the mental health needs of perinatal women in a
post-conflict setting. For women and infants in Uganda, the HealthRight program offers hope for survival, recovery,
and for a future in which both mother and child can be healthy. That, in turn, means a brighter tomorrow for their
family, their community and their nation.

A.R.’s Story

Abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army, A.R. was physically and sexually abused and forced to harm others against
her will. After her release, she married and had children but continued to suffer from PTSD and depression. With
medication and therapy provided by HealthRight, A.R. started down the long road of recovery. When the COVID-19
pandemic interrupted her treatment, A.R. almost had a relapse, but HealthRight quickly adapted her care. After
almost a year of treatment, A.R.’s pain is gone, she can sleep through the night, and she says she finally feels happy.
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