On the ground in Hihifo, Tonga, one message was clear: mental health starts at home.

The Ngalu Fānifo team recently travelled to Vanuatu to deliver community-based workshops as part of the Ngalu Fānifo program, a partnership between the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) and the Australian Government. The program seeks to improve mental health services and community wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of local health providers, community workers, and systems to deliver culturally anchored, sustainable mental health care.

The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) Ngalu Fānifo team recently returned from a deployment to Tonga, continuing the long-term commitment to strengthening mental health services in Tonga. The Ngalu Fānifo program, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, seeks to build sustainable, culturally anchored mental health services by supporting local health providers, community workers, and systems.

The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) Ngalu Fānifo Team has returned from their latest deployment, continuing their long-term commitment to strengthening mental healthcare in Vanuatu. The Ngalu Fānifo project is a partnership between PMA and the Australian Government and seeks to improve mental health services and community wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of local health providers, community workers, and systems to deliver culturally anchored, sustainable mental health care.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has welcomed a number of medical and health professionals this morning from across the Pacific region for its inaugural Global Health Symposium, which precedes the annual PMA Conference. Held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the Symposium is an opportunity to platform regional work and initiatives in the region, whilst also facilitating a space to network and connect over the shared purpose of serving Pacific communities in the region.

The Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project was one of the key regional initiatives highlighted at Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) inaugural Global Health Symposium. The partnership initiative between PMA and the Australian Government seeks to build the capacity of communities and clinical providers in providing effective and contextualised mental health care and wellbeing in Vanuatu and Tonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is committed to advancing impactful solutions through the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project—a transformative, three-year initiative focused on enhancing mental health services and uplifting communities in Tonga and Vanuatu, in partnership with the Australian Government. This innovative program is set to grow the capacity of clinicians, and health and community providers, supporting them to deliver effective, culturally-anchored mental health care that will make a lasting difference in the lives of their people.

Under the theme "Community is what we create together," members of the Etu Pasifika clinics and the Pasifika Medical Association Group gathered for a meaningful talanoa on mental health over a shared breakfast early this morning. Led by psychiatrist and Etu Pasifika Ngalu Fānifo lead, Dr Staverton Kautoke, members shared profound personal experiences and insights, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in silence, in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week.

As the sun begins to set on the western side of Tongatapu, villages in the Hihifo district gather people together to meet at their local community halls and churches, trickling in with their children as the early August breeze slowly settles on their shores. The purpose of their fakataha (meeting)? To have an important talanoa (discussion) about mental health and wellbeing – mo'ui lelei faka'atamai – especially as a coastal district who were directly impacted by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group has partnered with the Australian Government to deliver a three-year programme, the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project, in Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of health and community providers to provide mental health care.

Day two of the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference has kicked off, with Minister of Whānau Ora, Hon. Tama Potaka, delivering the first keynote speech of the day. He began his address by emphasising the importance of spiritual health and wellbeing, particularly acknowledging the cultural practice of starting with karakia (prayer) and PFL Board Director, Sir Michael Jones’ decision not to play rugby on Sundays.

Clinical Advisor Mental Health for Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) mental health service, Ngalu Fānifo, Dr Siale Foliaki, has worked in the mental health space for Pacific communities for the past twenty years. Speaking to RNZ, Dr Foliaki challenges the prevalent issues faced by Pacific men and mental health.