The new Minister of Health Hon 'Uliti Uata thanked the Government of Japan for their assistance for Tonga's Health Sector during a courtesy visit by Japanese project teams who are in Tonga to implement three projects funded by Japan.

Led by the Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yasuo Takase, and Mr Makoto Tsujimoto, the Resident Representative of JICA Tonga, the team met with the Minister at the Administration Conference room at Vaiola Hospital on February 9.

Health is one of the priority areas of Japan's assistance to Tonga and the Minister of Health conveyed the Government of Tonga's appreciation for Japan's assistance to the health sector.

Projects

The three projects being implemented, include the refurbishment of of Vaiola Hospital worth over TOP$30 million. Initiated in October 2010 with a groundbreaking ceremony at Vaiola the project is to be completed by March 2012, and includes the construction of a new Outpatients Department, Dental Service Unit, Nursing School and renovation of water and electrical supply systems. It also introduces solar energy use for the hospital.

Another project is the Strengthening the Need Based In Service Training for Community Health Nurses - designed to strengthen the mechanism in service training for community health nurses in Tonga. The project starts this month and runs for three years and provides Japanese experts to the project.

A third project of Improving School Based Oral Health Activity in Tonga aimed at promoting oral health care throughout kindergartens and primary schools in Tongatapu and the outer islands was initiated in November 2009 it ends in March 2012.

Chief Dental Officer Dr Sililo Tomiki said that two Japanese dentists would assist in promoting preventive programs in regards to dental hygiene in schools. He said through this project they had received other assistance such as new vehicles.