Pasifika Medical Association

Upon arrival yesterday, the team made their way to Port Vila Central Hospital where New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta officially opened the hospital's new mental health unit – the Mind Care Unit - alongside Vanuatu Minister of Health, Rick Tchamako Mahe.

The PACMAT team will be based at the new unit and will work alongside local health officials to provide support where needed.

The 28-day mission is supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Pasifika Medical Association conference was officially opened today in Port Vila by the president of Vanuatu, Father Baldwin Lonsdale.

The president of PMA, Kiki Maoate, says many people were affected psychologically by Cyclone Pam, and the mental recovery process is ongoing.

Dr Maoate says the conference will allow participants to share their experiences on dealing with mental health issues.

It's the first time the biennial Pasifika Medical Association conference is being hosted by a Melanesian country.

The conference officially opens today in Port Vila but for the past two days mental health experts from Australia and New Zealand have led a workshop for local health professionals.

Dr Nick Kowalenko, Chair of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, says the Association invited them because it recognises the importance of mental health.