Australia further supports Tonga Health Systems Program Phase 3 [1]
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 22:32. Updated on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 09:54.
An additional AUD10 million was committed by the Government of Australia to further improve health outcomes for people in Tonga, with the signing of the Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 3 on 15 May.
Australia’s High Commissioner HE Rachael Moore signed the agreement with the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Saia Piukala, Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti and ‘Ofeina Filimoehala, CEO for Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, at the St George Government Building in Nuku'alofa.
HE Moore said Australia is proud to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Tonga Health Promotion Foundation to address the impacts of NCDs and other health threats.
"We will continue to work with Tonga to offer our support where it is most needed."
Hon. Dr Saia Piukala said they were grateful to Australia for this continued support to improve health outcomes in Tonga.
"There is much work to be done and this ensures that we secure the resources we need for our health workers to be better equipped in serving the Tongan people."
Through the Ministry of Health, THSSP3 will focus on community health care centres including in the outer islands. This phase will continue to support the Ministry of Health's outer island outreach missions, with a plan to decentralise healthcare services by developing Mu’a Health Centre to provide services to the eastern populations of Tongatapu.
The program has been a longstanding health partnership between Tonga and Australia, with many achievements over the years. Phases 1 and 2 established the Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Orthoses Clinic at Vaiola Hospital, along with the renovations of the Mental Health Ward, and adoption of the 'Mai e Nima' program into all primary schools.
Further assistance
Australia and Tonga are committed to continuing to work together to strengthen Tonga’s health sector and improve health outcomes for all in the Tonga and since 2009, in which Australia has invested approximately AUD30 million in Tonga’s health sector.
Tongans continue to be at risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, with NCDs accounting for the top four causes of all deaths in Tonga.
Delivered through to 2025, phase 3 sees an additional AUD10 million committed to further improve health outcomes for the people of Tonga by focusing on equitable access to quality healthcare services across Tonga and the implementation of the National NCD Strategy by Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, stated the Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa.
In addition, professional development and training of doctors and nurses, along with procuring essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals continue to be activities funded under the program.
Australia is also proud to see the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation establish offices in all outer island groups, and programs, such as the 'Mai e Nima' in schools, zumba and community and school vegetable gardens be embraced by communities.