Establishing mental health policy and services in Vanuatu

With a population of 245,000 spread mostly over six groups of islands and a total land area of 12,189km2, Vanuatu is one of the larger Pacific Island countries. Compared to other Pacific Island countries of similar or larger size, mental health has received little attention from government until very recently. While systematic studies are lacking, the limited available data suggest that mental disorders and suicide are increasing. The first ever National Mental Health Policy and Strategic Plan were launched in October 2009. Key areas include formalization of the National Mental Health Committee established in 2007, financing, mental health legislation, service organization, human resources, essential medicines, information systems, quality, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation. In 2010, mental health was inserted for the first time into the new Ministry of Health organizational structure. The Ministry of Health mandate is to work with partners to achieve sustainable progress in reducing all key risk factors to improve the wellbeing of everybody with mental illness. The country has commenced a program of mental health training for workers at primary and secondary health facilities and community awareness, with support from the World Health Organization Pacific Island Mental Health Network (PIMHnet) and others. A foundation for modern mental health services has been laid.