By Katalina Siasau

The Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project is a Pacific-led project that aims to improve mental health and wellbeing in Tonga and Vanuatu, by strengthening the capacity of health and community providers to provide mental health care. The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) will led the three-year programme, in partnership with Tonga and Vanuatu Ministries of Health, and funded by the Australian Government.

“We have just finished our inception and community consultations in both countries, and now we're moving into the implementation phase of the project, both in Tonga and Vanuatu,” PMA told Matangi Tonga today.

CEO of Tonga's Ministry of Health Dr. Reynold Ofanoa stated, ”The project provides us with an opportunity to really address the mental health needs of our communities in a locally-led way. We look forward to working alongside PMA to build the mental health capacity and capability of our local workforce, while also improving mental health education and knowledge across the country."

Meanwhile, PMA President, Dr. Kiki Maoate highlighted the importance of the project, "This is a significant milestone for the region and we are honoured to lead this mental health work in Tonga and Vanuatu with the support of the Australian Government."

In 2022, PMA deployed PACMAT (PMA emergency response team) to Tonga to provide mental health and psychosocial support following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami. In 2023, PACMAT was deployed to Vanuatu to provide mental health and psychosocial support following Cyclones Kevin and Judy.

"This project will follow on from the work our PACMAT teams have delivered in both Tonga and Vanuatu, led by our Pacific Mental Health Commissioner, which is made up of Pacific mental health clinicians from New Zealand and the region," said Maoate.

World Health Organization (WHO) data has highlighted a sharp rise in mental health service demand across the Pacific, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.