PNG HAS ADOPTED its first-ever mental national health policy, following five years of planning.

The policy aims to eliminate discrimination faced by people suffering from mental health problems through effective community-based education.

The mental health principle adviser at the Health Department, Uma Ambi, was responsible for developing the policy.

Ms Ambi said the new initiative is a big step in addressing mental health concerns.

"Education. We took that as one of the important things because, for most people, the lack of knowledge has become a problem," she said.

"So when we started to educate them, via the radio and television and newspaper and having many activities, it has actually improved their knowledge to understand that the mind is very important."

Source: Australia Network News