Results for Ministry of Health

Today, the Ministry of Health recorded 48 new dengue fever cases, bringing the total number of cases to 58. The infection is spreading rapidly in Vava'u, which now has 26 cases. The Public Health Emergency Operation Center has been activated.

Stigma surrounding mental illness in Tonga is the main stumbling block in delivering and improving mental health services here, said Dr Mapa Puloka, who faces many negative or discriminatory attitudes towards mental illness in his work and workplace. In Tonga, stigmatized behaviour towards mental illness includes ridicule (luma‘i), mocking (fakakata‘aki), and neglecting (hanga kehe mei ai).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tonga recorded only four COVID-19 positive cases last week, said the CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola.

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.