Papua New Guinea Psychiatric Association: achievements and challenges

The Papua New Guinea Psychiatric Association (PNGPA) was inaugurated in 1979. The Association’s objectives are to promote mental health care, advance psychiatric training and transcultural psychiatry, and advocate for the interests of mental health professionals. Psychiatric training started at the University of Papua New Guinea’s undergraduate medical school in 1987. The Master of Medicine in Psychiatry began in 1989 and has produced 11 PNG graduates. Major achievements of PNGPA include improving the training of primary health care workers, publishing a national management guide, and contributing to mental health policy. PNGPA is a member of the World Psychiatric Association. Despite this progress, the psychiatric workforce is still insufficient. Expanding services will require improved recognition and support from government.