The Fijian government is urged to decentralize and enhance the integration of mental health services within communities, particularly following discussions on World Mental Health Day. Miliakere Nasorovakawalu, Director of Nursing at St Giles Hospital, emphasizes that mental health services must evolve over the next five years to effectively meet the shifting needs of the Fijian populace.
During her address, Nasorovakawalu pointed out the importance of aligning with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and national development plans to address key mental health challenges in Fiji.
She highlighted the critical interconnection between mental health and other pressing issues such as HIV and the overarching epidemic of suicide within the country. “We need mental health services to be decentralised, especially for the women, wives, and parents who need it most,” she stated, reiterating the importance of accessibility in mental health support.
Fiji’s mental health landscape has seen strides in recent years, with 1,000 general healthcare practitioners trained in mental health care between 2014 and 2020, as part of a commitment to the Pacific Island Network. However, Nasorovakawalu stressed that significant work remains to be done. “We need to push for the integration of mental health into the community,” she noted, sharing that St Giles has already established a community mental health team to facilitate this outreach.
This push for decentralized mental health services echoes similar calls from various stakeholders in recent discussions about Fiji’s mental health crisis. Community awareness, early intervention, and proactive engagement have been identified as essential strategies. Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa previously highlighted that many seek help only after mental health issues have escalated, indicating a need for enhanced preventive measures and resources. Recent statistics from a study show that a staggering 45% of adults reported experiences of anxiety while 49% reported depression, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies.
Moreover, stakeholders have discussed the need for unity among government entities, health professionals, communities, and faith organizations to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create supportive environments. The collective ambition is clear: by fostering an empathetic culture where help is normalized, Fiji can build a stronger community equipped to address mental health challenges more effectively.
As the country faces these critical issues, there is a hopeful tone throughout discussions emphasizing the potential for significant progress through well-coordinated initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community support networks. Through these efforts, Fiji aims to build resilience among its citizens, ultimately paving the way for improved mental health outcomes for generations to come.
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