A three day meeting in Nuku'alofa of international health communicators aimed to seek new approaches to fight Non-Communicable Diseases and to promote health.

The International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF) meeting was opened by the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano on Wednesday, 23 July at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre.

Seini Filiai, CEO of Tonga Health Promotion Foundation said in May this year Tonga was named the most overweight nation of the world by the Lancet Journal.

She said NCDs such as diabetes; heart disease and cancer are the leading cause of deaths in Tonga, accounting for over 74 percent of all deaths. Risk factors include obesity caused by poor diet and insufficient physical activity, smoking and overconsumption of alcohol.

"Tonga Health in hosting this international meeting is excited to share our stories in the fight against NCDs and to learn from organisations facing similar challenges around the world."

Participants are also expected to share their own success stories , challenges and discuss how organisations can learn from each other to promote better health in their own countries.

Attending were health promotion organisations from Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with the World Health Organisation.

Tonga Health Foundation was set up by the Tongan Government in 2007 to fight against the rising problem of NCDs in Tonga.