WHO EviMaPS: Evidence Mapping of Psychosocial Supports

WHO EviMaPS: Evidence Mapping of Psychosocial Supports project.

The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre – WKC) commissioned the Evidence Mapping of Psychosocial Supports (EviMaPS) study to identify policies and programs on disaster-related mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and assess their impact on mental health. The project also aimed to highlight gaps in evidence and provide recommendations for global policy, practice and guidance.

Professor Lisa Gibbs of the University of Melbourne led an international team from Japan, Australia, Italy and the USA to conduct the 18-month study which included:

• Phase 1 practice mapping to identify existing and emerging MHPSS policies and programs to reduce risks, promote protective factors and reduce the impacts of disasters.
• Phase 2 scoping review to examine the evidence for the impacts of MHPSS policies and programs in the contexts of populations at risk from and experiencing disasters, and to identify gaps in evidence.

The Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings were then used to identify implications for policy, programs and practice, and global guidance offered by WHO and partners for effective program and policy implementation.

The first phase identified 92 MHPSS programs and nine policies in 19 countries and regions. Most lacked evaluations and evidence to assess their impact. International and national frameworks were important sources of guidance for shaping MHPSS programs and policies.

In the second phase, no evaluations of long-term mental health benefits of disaster-related MHPSS policies were found but there was growing evidence on program effectiveness. These studies indicated generally positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms and improved coping. The researchers recommend stronger evaluation mechanisms to support evidence-based program development and policymaking.

Professor Gibbs noted that, “The evidence for the benefits of disaster-related MHPSS programs is growing but gaps remain in the evaluation of policies, pre-disaster programs, and their impact on high-risk groups. More research is needed to address these gaps and explore programs and policies in low- and middle-income countries”.

We are committed to sharing the findings from the EviMaPS project in multiple formats that are accessible to the public. Updates will be posted on this website. Summary findings will be shared directly with participants. The WHO March 2025 release can be found here.