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Pacific mental health: Integrating Pacific world views and practices

Year:
2021
Duration:
33 months
Approved budget:
$300,000.00
Researchers:
Associate Professor Sione Vaka
,
Professor Eleanor Holroyd
,
Professor Brian McKenna
,
Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau
Host:
University of Waikato
Health issue:
Mental health (and sleep disorders)
Proposal type:
Sir Thomas Davis Fellowship
Lay summary
Migrant Pacific peoples have been found to have a higher prevalence of mental illness than that of the general population in their host countries. New Zealand’s mental health services have been unable to meet these needs. The Ola Manuia Report from the Ministry of Health, released in June 2020, aims for Pacific people to lead independent and resilient lives, live longer and have equitable health outcomes. However, the focus areas identified tend to be replicating what has already been done in the past, rather than attempting to strengthen the current system. There is a need to change the foundation and delivery of our approach rather than continuing in the same direction while expecting different outcomes. This project aims to develop a Pacific-centered mental health model of care that weaves Pacific ethnic knowledge, worldviews, and practices that are culturally appropriate for Pacific peoples in NZ, Tonga, Fiji and Niue.