team
(Photo/Supplied)
The
Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team
(PACMAT) has been deployed to Vanuatu in response to the
devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila
on 17 December 2024. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the mission will see
the team provide mental health and psychosocial support to
local communities affected by the natural disaster, led by
the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.
PMA’s
PACMAT team has been mobilised at the formal request of the
Vanuatu Government to address urgent healthcare needs. The
PACMAT team departed today aboard a New Zealand Defence
Force aircraft from Whenuapai Air Base. The team consists of
9 highly trained professionals, including psychiatrists,
primary care nurses, mental health specialists, a general
surgeon, and a general practitioner.
PMA Chief
Executive, Debbie Sorensen, says the request was met with an
immediate response.
“We have deployed teams to
Vanuatu before and know the mental health landscape well,
thanks to our strong relationships with our local colleagues
on the ground. For us, this is about answering the call to
serve whenever our Pacific families and communities are in
need, and this is one of those times.
“The
PACMAT team will work closely with local mental health
personnel to ensure that they provide tailored and
culturally appropriate support, led by local
intel.”
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PACMAT has previously
supported Vanuatu following Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023
and is actively engaged in a three-year mental health
project in the region.
PACMAT Clinical
Director, Dr. Kalo Lalahi-Jermyn, reaffirmed the team’s
readiness to provide vital support wherever it is
needed.
“Our PACMAT team is committed to supporting
the recovery efforts by providing much needed medical and
mental health care. We extend our gratitude to the
Government of Vanuatu for their trust and to the New Zealand
Defence Force for assisting with
logistics.
“Our immediate focus is to provide
mental health and medical support to communities in need,
while ensuring that our team integrates with local and
international efforts for a coordinated
response.”
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