The Japanese ship MV Wakashio, running aground on a coral reef in South of Mauritius on 25th July 2020, began spilling its contents—4000 tonnes of fuel oil several days later. An environmental emergency was declared. The health impacts seen from the previous major Oil Spills ranged from stress, anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide (CDC/SAMHSA, 2013). The Wakashio oil spill may also have detrimental effects on the mental health of those who have lost their livelihoods and witnessed the environmental damage and on those doing the clean ups. Most scientific research on mental health impact on those affected by the oil spill was conducted years after the disaster. The current project will investigate the immediate effects of exposure of hydrocarbon products on the mental health of local shore population and put in place an early intervention plan to improve the mental health outcomes of those affected. A community-based participatory model will be used to assess the psychological distress on residents of fishing communities who were indirectly impacted or directly exposed and a referral to relevant mental health professionals will be made to those with high risk for mental health problems.
Keywords
Mental Health Impact,early intervention,therapeutic pathway