A two-day mental health training program has been successfully conducted at Tinokae Rest House on the eastern side of Gizo, Western Province.
The training, organized by the Western Provincial Health and Medical Services under its Mental Health Program, attracted more than ten participants from various sectors.
Among them were health workers, police officers, correctional service officers, and other stakeholders who often engage with people experiencing mental health issues.
Speaking to the Solomon Star, Dr. Rex Mo’ukera, Supervisor of Psychiatry under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), said the training reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving access to health services in provinces and rural areas.
He explained that the program is in line with the National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031, which emphasizes better access to quality health care across the country.
“The main aim of this training is to bring together different stakeholders in the health sector so they can manage mental health patients effectively within their clinics and communities,” Dr. Mo’ukera said.
He added that the Ministry’s Integrated Mental Health Division has developed a policy that encourages partnership and collaboration between government agencies, provincial authorities, and community groups.
“Through these partnerships, we can ensure that information, services, and support are effectively shared across different groups,” he stated.
During the training, participants were introduced to topics such as major mental disorders, minor mental disorders, the rights of persons living with mental illness, and approaches to managing cases in different settings.
At the conclusion of the program, participants were officially presented with certificates of completion, recognizing their commitment to addressing mental health issues in their workplaces and communities.
Participants also acknowledged the mental health team for organizing the training, saying the knowledge gained will help them respond to the increasing number of mental health cases in the province.
Dr. Mo’ukera emphasized that the training is crucial for rural health workers and frontline agencies, as cases of mental illness in Western Province continue to rise, particularly among young people.
By AUGUSTINE PENEVOLOMO
Solomon Star, Gizo
