Lord Tu'i'afitu

Tonga's pubic servants have launched a year-long programme to combat non-communicable diseases and to create healthier workplaces in an effort to "build a healthier quality public service for Tonga".

Over 500 public servants have registered to take part in the campaign that was launched by the Minister of Health, Lord Tu'i'afitu on  23 February, at the Vuna Wharf in Nuku‘alofa.

They are also calling for an alcohol limit at official functions, and asking for the provision of tearooms and 15 minute tea breaks for the public service.

The campaign was initiated by the PSA Women’s Committee, who believe that the Tongan population is at high risk of having NCDs. They wanted to raise awareness of the factors fueling NCDs such as excessive use of alcohol and inactivity. They also believed that the use of alcohol and cigarettes meant there was less money available for families to buy healthy food.

The programme advocates self discipline, healthy eating habits and environment, increased physical activity, and also supports ending "Violence Against Women".

The campaign encourages weight loss competitions; daily 30-minutes physical exercise at home; weekly 1-hour exercise every Tuesday between 5-6 p.m., workshops on healthy preparation of food for participants, and a workshop for food vendors on how to prepare healthy food products at affordable prices for students and teachers.

The PSA Women also want to support enactment of a legislation to address violence against women and offer counseling to female public servants exposed to violence.

The workplace policies submitted to the PSC last Tuesday included: (1) Healthy Workplace Policy requesting an official 15 minutes morning and afternoon tea sessions for all public servants and provision of tearooms; (2) Strengthen the existing alcohol and cigarettes policy by extending it to include official functions, and proposing an alcohol limit for official functions held outside the workplace paid by public funds, (3) enforce the School Food Policy drafted in 2005.

The PSA stated that it was grateful for the technical and financial assistance from TongaHealth and also the financial assistance from Public Service International.