Dr. Losavati Wilbur Daugunu, an expert psychiatrist from Laloki Psychiatric Hospital in Port Moresby, has called for increased mental health awareness aimed at schools and the wider public in Western Highlands Province. 

Her call follows a recent visit to the Mental Health Clinic at Mt. Hagen Provincial Hospital from October 27th to 31st, 2025, where she observed a worrying rise in psychiatric cases, particularly those linked to alcohol and drug abuse among youth.

She emphasized that while clinical treatment is essential, prevention and education are equally critical. “Mental health education should begin early in schools and extend into communities so that people understand how to care for their mental well-being.”

“Mental illness is complex and often rooted in social and emotional challenges so by educating young people in schools, we can save them.

“Young lives are being derailed by addiction and untreated mental health conditions so we need to reach them early at school, in their communities, and through public awareness,” she explained.

Meanwhile, she also mentioned the need for a boost in their manpower as the Mental Health Clinic in Mt Hagen Hospital currently has only 4 staff, two mental health nurses and two community health workers, which are not enough to meet the increasing demand for psychiatric care in the province.

Dr Wilbur offered expert mental health care, reviewed patients and provided specialist care to patients at the clinic for 5 days.

With heartfelt gratitude, she extended her sincere thanks to the Western Highlands PHA for recognizing the urgent needs of mental health patients and generously sponsoring her journey to offer vital counselling and compassionate care to those who need it most.

She also offered warm praise to the dedicated clinic staff, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts continue to bring hope and healing to the lives of mentally ill patients every single day.