The Ministry of Health received 10,000 rapid antigen testing kits from China, to assist with the containment of COVID-19, after the gradual re-opening of Tonga's international border.

The donation from Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, was handed over by Acting Ambassador for the People's Republic of China, Mr Ruan Dewen to the CEO of the Ministry for Health Dr. Siale 'Akau'ola, on 18 August.

Mr Ruan said since the border opened up two weeks ago it is very important to have quick and efficient tests, “and there certainly will be much larger demand of RAT kits.I hope this batch of RAT kits can be of some help to Tongan government,” he said.

The gift was one of the outcomes of a visit to Tonga by a Chinese State Councilor from 31 May to 1 June.

“China Tonga are good friends we are glad to see that our comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development has brought a lot of concrete cooperation in various fields, including health cooperation.”

The Director of Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said although Tonga was protected from COVID, it was unfortunate we had it at the beginning of this year.  The Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) donated from China helped Tonga to be prepared.

He said at the time people were scared and not prepared for it,“ but with the arrival of PPEs at that time, there was more confidence and people become more happy that at least they were protected. So we trained them and the virus finally entered two years later.

“Today we are seeing the continuation of the support from the government of China and wish to express from the bottom of my heart, our sincere thanks to your government at this time.”

He said the RATs will be put to good use and now we are better vaccinated. “The Public has knowledge, are more aware of how they can manage positive cases at home. 


“But the RATs are very critical instrument to assist people how to be more confident to stop this spread,” he said.