BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dr Cealdro Alependava from Gizo Hospital in the Western Province said that the Advanced Training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Children and Families is relevant.

The 38-year-old, who collaborates closely with the mental health coordinator of the Western Province, has participated in the week-long training, which concludes today, Friday, 26 September, 2025.

In his capacity as a mental health counsellor, his responsibility is to assist patients and children impacted by mental health issues.

In an interview conducted yesterday, Dr Alependava said that the training is highly relevant, particularly considering the existing gaps in the specialised focus directed towards children and adults facing mental health challenges.

“We also learned that resilience is a crucial element of children’s development, particularly regarding how they cope with stress and trauma, as well as their self-perception.

“This is significant because, at present, we are not sufficiently attentive to the development of children from birth through youth,” he said.

Dr Alependava expressed that the training empowers them as counsellors to address this gap, which is critically important in terms of how they reflect on their roles.

“Often, we approach our work in our own manner, and it is equally vital for us as health professionals to provide the best mental health care to those in need.

“This workshop will certainly create a positive impact in the coming years if those of us who attended the training consider and implement the knowledge we have gained,” he said.

Dr Alependava mentioned that the training provided insights on how they can contribute to preventing substance abuse and gender-based violence within society.

“Therefore, if we begin focusing on a child’s mental health from an early age, we can certainly anticipate a brighter future,” he said.

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