PACMAT and Mind Care lead mental health surveys in earthquake-affected communities

Jan 17, 2025 | News | 0

A team of eight medical professionals from the Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has teamed up with the Vanuatu Mind Care Clinic to run mental health surveys in various affected communities in Efate.

PACMAT Team Lead, Antonio Filimoehala, said they were requested by Dr Jimmy Obed from the Mind Care Clinic at the Vila Central Hospital (VCH) to support their emergency response in terms of surveys and awareness on mental, physical, and spiritual health.

“We are doing as much as we can during the 21 days since we have been here, and we will be returning on Friday this week,” Mr. Filimoehala said.

The PACMAT arrived in Vanuatu on December 26, 2024, and has supported over 500 people in many communities, evacuation centres, the Correctional Centre, ProRescue, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) like the Women’s Centre, and Government organisations (frontline centres).

“The surveys that we provide are a sort of holistic mode of care that we have. We’ve got a bit of psychological and medical (focus), hence why we’ve got a mental health team and a medical team,” the PACMAT Team Lead said.

“It’s important that we look after our physical health, mental health, and also our spiritual health—all three in one—and that’s what we’re bringing in.”

During their recent survey held at Anamburu Park yesterday (January 14), the team met with a group of mothers and fathers in that area to carry out sessions of activities and awareness on how people can cope with and deal with trauma, anxiety, and stress after a disaster.

Sessions include survey questionnaires where attendees fill in their answers based on their level of trauma and anxiety experienced, as well as coping methods to keep people calm during and after an emergency. These methods include breathing exercises, games, and many more interactive activities.

“A big thanks to Dr Jimmy Obed and the Mind Care Clinic team who have been very supportive,” said Filimoehala.

The PACMAT is a multidisciplinary team of Pacific medical professionals ready and able to assist international medical institutions in the event of a sudden-onset disaster or disease outbreak.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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