Mental Health in the Pacific

Overview

The Pacific Health Governance Research Network (PHGRN) was established in February 2018 as a means of facilitating partnerships between Pacific researchers and stakeholders, and international counterparts, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. At the most recent PHGRN workshop held in Nadi, Fiji in February 2019, an entire session was dedicated to the impacts of climate change on mental health.

A major gap that was identified was the lack of epidemiological data regarding the current state of mental health in the region, which was considered a necessary prerequisite to understanding the threats posed by climate change. In order to address this gap, a population survey was proposed with the aims of assessing the prevalence of mental disorders and patterns of service utilisation, as well as mental health literacy and stigma, two prominent issues which also arose from the discussions. With our expertise in conducting such studies and connections with Pacific researchers, the next stage in progressing this research is to secure funding for the proposed study.

Lead Investigator
Fiona Charlson

Project team
Suhailah Ali

Funded by
NHMRC Early Career Fellowship – APP1138488

In partnership with
South Pacific Community (SPC)

CURRENT

COMPLETED