Unhealthy people who become sick from eating the wrong foods are placing a huge economic burden on the government’s health systems, while 99% of adult Tongans currently remain at risk from so-called “lifestyle diseases”.

Diabetes, heart disease and cancer are claiming the lives of many Tongans who might have lived longer if only a healthy lifestyle and healthy nutrition had been a priority in their lives.

“We hope to have a more healthier Tonga in future,” said Losaline Ma’asi, CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries (MAFFF) today, in welcoming about 70 people to the launch of a new effort to raise public awareness about the importance of eating right and staying healthy.

The Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, in launching a new national strategy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, said that the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation (TongaHealth) would support the government’s new NCD strategy and provide a secretariat function.

A video made by TongaHealth, presenting comments from various ministries involved in the multi-sectoral effort, was shown at the launch of the strategy at the Kalofiama ‘O Epworth Hall in Hala Tui this afternoon.

The Director of Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said they had been working on reducing NCDs for 10 years but now the emphasis would be on young people, to give them a healthy start to life.

Starting with the young means starting before babies are born.

The video mentioned the risks to babies born to mothers with diabetes – some of whom were not aware that they had diabetes until they were tested at Vaiola Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The Ministry of Education is increasing its awareness of proper nutrition among primary school children, who are being encouraged to eat “at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.”

Ideas were put forward by various ministries to help combat NCDs. These included imposing higher taxes on fatty foods, while allowing exemptions from tax and duty on imported fruits from New Zealand, along with enforcement of regulated prices on foods.

A National Food Council is also being formed.

The new strategy for a healthier Tonga also includes tobacco and alcohol controls and awareness.