Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and displaced population in Armenia: the Fondation Pierre Fabre supports the Aznavour Foundation to modernize Armenia’s largest mental health institution

21/01/2024

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and displaced population in Armenia: the Fondation Pierre Fabre supports the Aznavour Foundation to modernize Armenia’s largest mental health institution.

The Fondation Pierre Fabre has chosen to assist with the Aznavour Foundation’s project to modernize a major mental health facility in Armenia. This collaboration aims to provide essential support to the country’s largest mental health facility, ensuring a more conducive environment for mental health treatment and care for the Armenian population, including the refugee population.

A blockade was launched against Nagorno-Karabakh, located in the South Caucasus, in December 2022. On September 19, Azerbaijan began a large-scale military offensive with the aim of taking full control of the region. Since then, the entire Armenian population of over 120,000 has been forcibly displaced, forced to flee their homes to Armenia.

These events have left deep emotional and psychological scars on the people affected. Residents witnessed tragic loss of life, were forced to leave their homes, and have had their daily lives brutally turned upside down.

Against the backdrop of such a humanitarian crisis, mental health is of crucial importance. Those affected have faced harrowing trauma and loss, with potentially long-lasting consequences on their psychological well-being. Psychological support is becoming essential to help people overcome emotional shock, cope with the loss of loved ones, and rebuild their lives in a new environment.

The joint efforts of the Fondation Pierre Fabre and the Aznavour Foundation will focus in particular on the pediatric psychiatry department within the facility. Thanks to the financial support from the Fondation Pierre Fabre, beds specially designed for the needs of young patients have been installed, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.

This collaboration aims to have a lasting impact on mental health services in Armenia, and demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring access to essential health services for those most in need.

The Aznavour Foundation began supporting this mental health facility in Armenia in 2021. In collaboration with various partners, the Aznavour Foundation has succeeded in modernizing the kitchen block and providing medical supplies, furniture and other equipment for patients and staff.