The unmanaged drugs issue in Tonga is becoming “a new normal”, says Tonga's Head Psychiatrist, Dr. Mapa Puloka, who is seeing illicit drug-related disorders making up 40% of monthly admissions to the psychiatric ward. With mental health impacts skyrocketing, there is no one available to pick up the pieces. From the frontline, both Mapa and the Salvation Army counselor Mele Prescott are lonely voices urging government to establish a drugs rehabilitation center in Tonga, as they see families and communities being broken by the mental health impacts of illicit drugs use. Interview by Katalina Siasau.
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Results for Ministry of Health
Friday 22 March 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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Sunday 17 March 2024
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Vaiola Hospital wastewater and sewerage system will be upgraded with the help of the Australian government - providing $2 million (AUD) to support the project.
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Thursday 26 October 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Hon. Saia Piukala will step down as Tonga's Minister of Health when he takes up his new role as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region Office, early next year, he said yesterday, when he was welcomed by his health staff with a ‘Prayer Breakfast Celebration’ at Tofoa.
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Saturday 8 July 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dr. Reynold 'Ofanoa was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health for four-years, from 6 July when he signed his contract with Government.
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Tuesday 20 June 2023
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Auckland, New Zealand
A team of specialist gynaecology and oncology practitioners led by a Tongan, Dr Michael Burling, has deployed to Tonga aiming to provide specialised medical care and services for Tongans.
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Friday 9 June 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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.
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Wednesday 17 May 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dr Siale ‘Akau‘ola has this month completed a total of 37-years as a civil servant with the Ministry of Health, 14-years in which he served as CEO. He was farewelled last week by the Health Minister and colleagues.
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Wednesday 12 April 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
There have been no recent deaths reported from the Influenza outbreak in Tonga, confirmed the CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola today. The first cases were reported in the last week of December last year.
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Wednesday 15 March 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
There have been no recent deaths reported from Influenza B, which peaked in Tonga over the past two-months. The Ministry of Health says cases of influenza-like illnesses going to the hospital to date have slightly decreased. COVID-19 cases have also continued to decrease and remain at a “satisfactory level”. King Tupou VI received his 3rd booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
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Thursday 9 March 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three children have died from viral pneumonia caused by an Influenza B outbreak in Tonga over the last 8-9 weeks, the Ministry of Health has confirmed. About 180 cases a week have been reported but this is likely to be an under-estimation of the number of cases in the community, said Dr Siale 'Akau'ola.
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Friday 17 February 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga recorded only four COVID-19 positive cases last week, said the CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola.
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Thursday 9 February 2023
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga recorded a weekly total of 45 COVID-19 positive cases, the Ministry of Health reported on 3 February. More than 1,000 surveillance tests are being held weekly.
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Saturday 17 December 2022
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Geneva, Switzerland
Tonga’s first female Health Minister, Dr. ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu has been appointed as the new Chief Nursing Officer for the World Health Organisation headquartered is in Geneva.
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Wednesday 14 December 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Health centres and clinics in Tonga are better equipped to monitor community health, with 50 digital weighing scales donated by Tanita, a Japanese company, working in collaboration with the Tonga Red Cross.
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Friday 9 December 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Alcohol misuse has contributed to several road deaths in Tonga. Now, new alcohol breathalyzer devices presented to Tonga Police in December will help frontline officers to detect and remove more drunk drivers and maintain safety on roads.
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Wednesday 5 October 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A full-scale emergency exercise named "Hunga Airways 2022" was held at Fua‘amotu International Airport on 30 September, in response to a scenario that imagined the aftermath of an aircraft emergency.
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Saturday 17 September 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Fakakovikaetau and Dr. Sisilia Fusi Fifita, Oral Pathology Specialist, became the first Tongan dentists to be inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Wednesday 7 September 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The number of COVID-19 active cases, which saw a second wave peaking last month, is on a downward trend in Tonga.
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Thursday 1 September 2022
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The new COVID-19 variant BA.5 has been confirmed in Tonga, after the re-opening of our border on 1 August, CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola said.
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Tuesday 23 August 2022
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Ministry of Health received 10,000 rapid antigen testing kits from China, to assist with the containment of COVID-19, after the gradual re-opening of Tonga's international border.
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Tonga weather forecast from yr.no, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the NRK. See also Fua'amotu Weather Forecasting Center, Tonga, for latest local weather bulletin.