By Tupou Vaipulu

Hon. Dr Siale ‘Akau‘ola was officially appointed as the new Minister of Health yesterday afternoon, 31 January 2024 at a Ministerial Appointment, held at his home in Pahu, Nuku’alofa.

He was appointed by HM King Tupou VI to take up the role as the Minister of Health, after being recommended by the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku.

Hon. Dr ‘Akau’ola succeeded the now WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific [2], Dr Saia Piukala on the same day his resignation was made effective, 27 January.

Former CEO

In May 2023, Dr ‘Akau‘ola (62) completed a total of 37-years as a civil servant with the Ministry of Health, 14-years as CEO.

In addition to the CEO role, he was the Chairman of several professional committees such as the National Committee for the control of NCD, Mental Health Advisory Committee and others.

He was also a member of the Health Emergency Management Committee, Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) and the National Emergency Management Committee.

Hon. Dr 'Akau'ola holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pathology (1995) from the University of Otago, New Zealand; a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (1984) from the University of Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea; and a Certificate in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery (1989) from Australia.

He has been married to Siosi 'Akau'ola for 34 years and they llive in Pahu, Nuku'alofa.

See also: 20 May 2019. Dr ‘Akau‘ola re-appointed as Health CEO [3]