MSF is developing a mental health programme throughout Kisangani to assist the local population in coping with recent mental traumas. The project is a cooperative venture between MSF and the university in Kisangani and is being run by professional psychologists, psychiatrists and sociologists in the city.

Three counsellors for each of the five communities of Kisangani are being trained, with a total of 15 counsellors throughout the city.

The project started on June 15 and is currently in an 'outreach' phase where the counsellors are taking an active role in the community, initiating contact and conversation to determine the nature and scope of the trauma within the community.

The counsellors will also work in the emergency department of the university hospital to help the patients and assist in the development of awareness with the medical doctors there.