Australia has committed to providing up to AUD$1.8 million to extend the Tonga Health Systems Support Program to the end of next year.

The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison and Tonga’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu, signed the amended Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 2, today, extending the program to December 2021.

The amount provides around $2.7 million pa’anga to continue this critical work for the next financial year, said the High Commissioner.

He also announced that the Government of Australia is also committing a further AUD$1 million (or 1.5 million pa’anga) to assist Tonga’s efforts and preparation for COVID-19.

“This will support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to increase its capacity to care for sick patients, monitor disease in the community, and promote good health and hygiene.”

“This commitment adds to the AUD$7 million that we have already provided to Tonga in support of the government’s Economic and Social Stimulus Package. This is helping Tonga manage not only the health needs, but emerging economic and social impacts of the pandemic as well.”

Hon. Dr ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu thanked the Government of Australia for their continuous financial contribution to Tonga, and for partnering with the Ministry of Health.