Vanuatu: happiest nation on earth, mental health and the Church.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to gain an understanding of the mental health needs and services in Vanuatu, and examine the importance of the Church in the lives of the local people and the part that the Church can play in mental health service delivery.


METHODS
The author visited Vanuatu to gain an understanding of the mental health needs and services in Vanuatu. This was followed by interaction with a number of churches to find out the views of church leaders about mental illness and their interest to learn about mental illness. A questionnaire was completed by 80 individuals who were also involved in some training.


RESULTS
There was a widely held view that mental illness was due to a weak faith, sin or demon possession. However, there is a desire and an interest among churches to have a better understanding about mental illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Churches in Vanuatu can and need to be mobilized to make mental health service delivery successful in the country.
Deakin University; Clinical Associate Professor, Monash University, Australia. kuruvilla.george@easternhealth.org.au
Kuruvilla
K
George
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010327:Pastoral Care; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009514:Vanuatu