New medical equipment, including thermography cameras to improve Tonga's border control against COVID-19, was handed over to the Ministry of Health from the Government of Japan.

Three thermography cameras, four infant incubators and four negative pressure booths, which cost around USD110,000, were received by the Minister of Health Hon ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu from Japan's Ambassador HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku on May 19.

This is the first batch of its Non-Project Grant Assistance (NPGA). The Ambassador commended frontliners who are working hard in protecting the people of Tonga from COVID-19,

He said the thermography cameras will be installed at Fua'amotu International Airport to check the temperature of people coming from other countries.

"I hope it would improve Tonga’s border control at the airport and reduce the burden on the frontliners, such as medical staff, police and military officers. I know that since last July, they have been working very hard on people repatriated back to Tonga."

He said in order to protect and support our people’s lives and their daily life, it was also crucial for Tonga to sustain and promote its international economic activities and international traffics.

“Even among our neighboring countries, their border restrictions have started to change and cautiously, borders are opening in various modalities, and a couple of travel bubbles are going to be established and connecting flights are increasing, he said.

"As international donors, including Japan, we are willing to support Tonga in fighting COVID-19. We also hope that Tonga could open the border even only a day sooner through our various assistances including vaccinations."

Japan will also donate five vehicles and a boat through a USD$9 million emergency grant assistance, channeled through UNICEF to fight COVID-19 in the Pacific Islands.

The Health Minister expressed the Government of Tonga's gratitude. The thermography cameras will be installed at the Fua’amotu International Airport and Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u, she said.

She said the assistance from NPGA had reached vulnerable communities in Tonga, since the Ministry had been a recipient of medical equipment donations over the years.

NPGA supports developing countries by promoting its economic and social development efforts.