The Kingdom of Tonga has reaffirmed its commitment to global cooperation in digital health, climate-resilient health systems, and stronger primary care during its national statement at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Speaking on 19 May, Minister of Health, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, said reshaping global health requires genuine shared responsibility and equitable investment, emphasizing that no nation should face rising health threats alone.
“Reshaping global health is, and must be, a shared responsibility — not a distant promise, not a technical footnote, but a duty shared equally by the largest nation to the smallest island,” he said.
Tonga’s statement stressed that global health progress must be built on unity and fairness, while highlighting the importance of ensuring digital innovation reduces inequality rather than deepening it.
“Digitize access, not exclusion,” Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said.
The address also called for proactive climate action, urging international partners to invest in resilience “before the next wave, not after.”
Tonga outlined four priorities in its national statement:
- advancing digital health cooperation,
- securing climate-resilient health financing,
- strengthening the health workforce through ethical and sustainable pathways, and reinforcing primary health care and
- noncommunicable disease prevention tailored to small island contexts.
The statement concluded with Tonga reaffirming its role as an equal partner in global health and offering its experience and commitment to collective progress toward “a healthier, more secure future for all.”
