Results for Health

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

A Pacific health advocate, Sir Collin Tukuitonga from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has been made a Fellow by the International Science Council (ISC). Sir Collin joins over 100 Fellows from around the world, were appointed yesterday, 19 December. The Fellowship is the highest honour that can be conferred on an individual by the International Science Council (ISC).

Essential medical equipment, including two new ambulances valued at USD320,000 from Japan were handed over to the Ministry of Health today, 9 June, by Japan's Ambassador HE Mr. Kensaku Munenaga.

A team from Interplast Australia and New Zealand returns to Tonga from 25 May to 3 June to carry out general plastic and reconstructive surgical services and training, at Vaiola Hospital. This after three years of absence due to COVID-19 restrictions.

An additional AUD10 million was committed by the Government of Australia to further improve health outcomes for people in Tonga, with the signing of the Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 3 on 15 May. 

A hearing screening project for class 1 and 2 students on Tongatapu is being carried out by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hampton from Australia and Rotary Club Nuku‘alofa.

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.