JICA Program Sparks Mental Health Innovation in Papua New Guinea.
2025.12.17
Meet Mr. Lucas Waken, a Mental Health Officer from the Population Health Branch, Public Health Division, Ministry & National Department of Health, who recently completed the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) on Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Japan.
Mr. Lucas described his experience as “impressive and transformative.” The training at JICA’s center was well-organized, featuring advanced systems for disaster resilience and mental health preparedness. Beyond the classroom, life in Japan was an eye-opener—delicious cuisine, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a society built on respect and peace.
One highlight was visiting the Fukushima Nuclear Plant, where Mr. Lucas observed Japan’s sophisticated disaster risk reduction strategies. “Japan is prone to natural disasters, yet their resilience and mitigation processes are world-class,” he noted.
Mr. Lucas also encourages other public servants:
“Japan is a great place to learn and grow. The knowledge and skills you gain will transform your workplace and contribute to national development. Let’s learn more from Japan through JICA and change our country for the better.”
Upon returning to PNG, Mr. Lucas plans to implement the Mental Health Gap Action Plan (mhGAP)—a program to train general health workers in mental health basics, integrating services into rural communities. This initiative aligns with PNG’s National Health Plan 2021–2030 and JICA’s mission to strengthen mental health systems in disaster situations.
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