Australia is boosting its support for a healthy Tonga with additional budget support of TOP7.8 million (AUD5 million) to help upgrade health clinics across Tonga.
The new funding was agreed today at the Mu’a Health Centre between Tonga’s Prime Minister, the Hon Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke and Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Mr Brek Batley, in the presence of the Minister for Health, Hon Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola.
Prime Minister Eke thanked Australia for its financial assistance and ongoing health partnership.
“As Tonga finalises its budget for the year ahead, these funds will make a real difference in reducing deficits and strengthening health services for all Tongans.”
“By again injecting budget support, Australia continues to support our national priorities and systems, a true reflection of a close partnership grounded in kaungame’a falala’anga.”
High Commissioner Batley said that the funding reaffirmed Australia’s commitment as Tonga’s number one health partner.
“Health is at the heart of Australia’s development partnership with Tonga, because health is central to community wellbeing and economic prosperity. This new funding will continue to ensure everyone who needs healthcare can access it, across all islands of Tonga.”
“We continue to listen to Tonga’s priorities and act as a responsive development partner.
This new funding was pledged by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong just 21 days ago during her visit to Tonga. And I am proud to deliver on that commitment today.”
The funding complements Australia's extensive existing support for health in Tonga through its twenty-year health systems strengthening program. The funding is also in addition to the four-year TOP133 million (AUD85 million) budget support commitment announced by Australia and Tonga in March 2025 to support a stronger economy and national budget.
