030626 BIG STEP FORWARD FOR BOUGAINVILLE IN ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH

A major milestone has been achieved in Bougainville's efforts to address mental health challenges following the successful completion of a week-long Mental Health Workshop held at the Nazareth Training Centre.

The workshop, which commenced on Monday, 25 May was officially opened by Health Secretary, Mr. Alois Bukienei on Tuesday May 26 and was officially closed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government Minister for Health and Member for North Bougainville Women, Honourable Delourdes Semoso MHR on Sunday 31 May 2026.

Led by the ABG Department of Health and facilitated by Dr. David Tierney and Dr. Serge Loode from PaCSIA, the workshop brought together government departments, civil society organisations, churches and stakeholders committed to improving mental health awareness and services across Bougainville. The initiative was funded by Bread for the World Germany.

A key achievement of the workshop was the development of the Bougainville Mental Health Community Education Module, a cornerstone resource under the Bougainville Mental Health Community Education Program launched in 2025. The program was established to support the implementation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s 2019 Mental Health Policy.

The Bougainville Mental Health Community Education Program is the first stage of a three-stage approach aimed at establishing a comprehensive community-based mental health support system across Bougainville. The Bougainville Mental Health Policy, approved by the Bougainville Executive Council in 2019, outlines a unique Bougainville approach to building mental health capacity through three key pillars: community mental health education; building capacity to provide evidence-based counselling services; and building capacity to provide evidence-based treatment for people living with serious mental health conditions.

The Community Education Program is the result of a strong cross-sector partnership involving the ABG Department of Health, Law and Justice,  other ABG departments, and key civil society organisations including the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, Bougainville Women's Federation, Haku Women's Collective, Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency, the Bougainville Healthy Community Program, Bougainville Churches, the Bougainville Transitional Dialogue, and other stakeholders.

As part of the workshop, the newly developed education module was piloted at Tangari Village in Selau on Friday, 29 May. Community members welcomed the initiative and expressed their appreciation for being the first recipients of the program.

Residents acknowledged the urgent need for mental health education throughout Bougainville and highlighted the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening community support systems for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

Facilitators and stakeholders noted that the community-based delivery model developed through the program is believed to be the first of its kind not only in Bougainville, but also within Papua New Guinea and the wider Melanesian region.

With the module now developed and undergoing final refinements, stakeholders expressed hope that the program will soon be rolled out across Bougainville, equipping communities with the knowledge and practical tools needed to better understand, prevent and respond to mental health issues.

The workshop represents a significant step forward in translating Bougainville's Mental Health Policy into practical action at the community level and demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the wellbeing of all Bougainvilleans.