Results for Health

Tonga’s first Guideline for Healthy Living and national campaign was launched on 13 April in an effort to tackle the health problems arising out of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which remain the leading cause of deaths with around 70% of deaths annually in Tonga connected to NCDs. MAFF Minister, Lord Fohe, urged Tongans to eat healthier food. He believed it was not impossible to change our lifestyle for a healthier Tonga.

Tonga has lifted the requirement to have COVID-19 vaccination proof for all foreign travellers arriving in the country. Instead, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Immigration Division will incorporate key surveillance data requirements into one arrival card for passengers to complete on arrival in Tonga.

New Zealand’s smoking rate has fallen to a low of 8% of adults smoking daily, down from 9.4% a year ago, statistics released this month showed. The number of people smoking fell by 56,000.

Efforts made by schools to promote healthy living were recognised with the presentation of awards today. The 'Apiako Ma'a Lahi 2022 accreditations recognised primary, middle schools, and high schools who have established vegetable gardens and healthy eating programs.

After two-years and six-months, Tonga has lifted most of its COVID-19 health restrictions, including that for international travel and the national curfew, effective from 27 September. The border has now fully re-opened, with a requirement for foreign adults to provide proof of vaccination before arrival.

Tonga's current night time curfew - midnight to 5:00am - due to COVID-19 remains but will be re reviewed this month, after Government approved the incremental border re-opening on 1 August.

Three COVID-19 cases have been reported in the remote Tongan island of Niuafo’ou, the Minister for Health, Hon Saia Piukala confirmed today.

There are currently 1,217 active COVID-19 cases recorded in Tonga as at 2 May, with the majority (702) located on Tongatapu. Vava’u has 431 active cases, Ha’apai has 84, while ‘Eua and the two Niuas have no cases.

The new Ma’ufanga Health Clinic, funded by Japan, was officially opened last Thursday, April 14, by Lord Fakafanua and the Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Kensaku Munenaga.