By Katalina Siasau
The Ministry of Health received $57,244 pa'anga from the People's Republic of China, for emergency medical supplies in response to the dengue fever outbreak in Tonga.
The Ambassador of China to Tonga, HE Liu Weimin handed over the financial assistance to the Minister, Hon. Dr 'Ana 'Akau'ola today, at Vaiola Hospital, Havelu.
“The challenges posed by this health crisis, require not only awareness, but also immediate action from global community,” said the Acting CEO for Health, Dr. Sisilia Fifita at the event.
Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola acknowledged the assistance from the People’s Republic of China. She said their laboratory work required additional support and had made a request to China for assistance.
“We asked for $33,000, and you have given us a lot more than what we had expected and for that, I must thank you.
“We still urge people to continue with cleaning up efforts, and we will continue to help with the spraying and all that. I think some of this money may go into the effort spraying of places, particularly the schools," she said.
HE Liu Weimin noted the Ministry's timely efforts in dealing with the outbreak. He said, “We are proud to be able to contribute to your efforts by providing financial assistance for you to purchase some needed aid kits, as well as mosquito repellent and mosquito nets."
Also attending the handover program, were Ministry of Health officials and the Chinese Medical Team.
The Ministry of Health declared a dengue fever outbreak last week, 18 February.
As of the last 24 hours, Dr. 'Ana 'Akau'ola said there were only two new dengue cases detected.
