Non Communicable Diseases causing early deaths in Tonga [1]
Thursday, August 29, 2019 - 22:04
AA second regional workshop by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and its partners is being held in Nuku'alofa from August 28-30 aimed to find practical ways to combat Non Communicable Diseases.
CEO for the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola in an address during an opening ceremony on August 28, said in Tonga four out of the top five causes of death are due to NCDs.
"NCDs contribute to most of the morbidity and disability in Tonga, including significant reduction of resources and productivity of people, due to early death. Tonga, together with other Pacific Island countries are amongst the top ten countries in the world with highest obesity and diabetes rates.”
He said, leaders at the recent Pacific Island Forum Leaders acknowledged ongoing grave concerns at increasing rates of NCD, and they recommitted themselves to Government and Society approach at national level, to tackle NCDs.
Local actions
Dr 'Akau'ola said local actions to fight NCDs is expressed in a Hala Fononga Strategy to prevent and control NCDs.
This strategy aligns well with a Western Pacific Regional Action Plan to prevent and control NCDs (2014-2020), which supports the Pacific Roadmap to combat NCDs, endorsed by the Pacific Health and Economic Ministers’ Meeting in 2014.
He said, few local key actions done to strengthen the fight against NCD included King Tupou VI's championing efforts to prevent and control NCDs by strongly advocating for the need for everyone to play their part, be it within government, churches or communities.
In addition, legislative measures implemented included increased excise tax on tobacco, sweetened and sugary beverages and fatty food.
There has also been a reduction in import duties on healthy food such as fruits and vegetables to make them more affordable for people to buy, he said.
He hoped they all continue to work together to provide a healthier environment for people of the Pacific that protects them from the threats of NCDs and where healthy choices becomes easy choices for everyone.
Share approaches
Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said the concept of NCDs is familiar, however, there are various kinds of approaches, which they must explore in order to understand the situation better.
“This training is very significant because many volunteers are in the Pacific region working on this issue, and it is important that you could gather together to share your experience and knowledge.”
Participants are 28 JICA volunteers and counterparts from Fiji, Marshall Islands, PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga.
In attendance was Mr. Shinji Yoshiura, JICA Resident Representative (Tonga), Dr 'Ungatea Kata, Director of Tonga Tertiary Institute and others.