By Linny Folau

A beautiful newborn baby boy in Tonga has been named in memory of his mother, Hasata Piuleni Uhi (26), who died tragically this week from complications of the "swine flu" - Tonga's first death from the outbreak.

Named 'Ofa ki Vahanoa Hasata Piuleini Uhi, or "Love for Vahanoa Hasata Piuleini" the near full-term baby was delivered by a caesarian operation on July 11 after his mother was admitted to Vaiola Hospital, gravely ill.

Widower Sitiveni Uhi (35), whose wife's funeral was held yesterday at Tatakamotonga, was back at the Vaiola Hospital this morning to visit baby 'Ofa who is being kept at Vaiola to be fed by nurses for at least a month.

Sitiveni in a heartfelt voice said he had accepted his wife's death and was happy that their baby boy is healthy.

Hasata's birthday



Dressed in mourning black and a ta'ovala, the father accompanied by their three year old daughter Seini, his mother in law Taifuni Taufa and family members, visited the baby 'Ofa at the Paediatric Ward where they sadly revealed that today was Hasata's 26th birthday.

He recollected that his wife fell ill a week before she was admitted to the hospital on July 10 and her first x-ray examination confirmed that pneumonia had covered a major part of her lungs.

Hasata worked as a telephone operator at the Vaiola Hospital.

"During my wife's pregnancy she craved cold treats like ice cream and would always come back from work craving it so we would walk to the shop to buy ice cream and I am sure this contributed to her illness," said Sitiveni.

He added when they were admitted to the hospital Hasata had already experienced difficulty in breathing and was put on the respirator even after the surgery and when they went into the Intensive Unit until her death.

"But she was able to talk to me the whole time we were at the hospital even after her surgery, but it was hard because she could only utter a few words as it exhausted her easily."

Sitiveni said he was not aware that his wife had the swine flu until a doctor told him on Tuesday, July 21 after a prayer vigil following her death, that a test was sent to New Zealand and came back positive.

Terrible loss

Despite the terrible loss to the small family, Sitiveni, a farmer, is confident and strong willed that he would be able to care for their two young children. In addition he has the support of his immediate and extended family at Tatakamotonga. His wife came from Vava'u.

While baby 'Ofa remains at the hospital the family visits him daily bringing diapers and baby formula.