Results for Health

Over a hundred dogs were de-sexed at Tokomololo Vet Clinic, in the past four days by volunteering veterinarians under SPAW, who hold their last free clinic tomorrow, Friday. SPAW encourages pet owners to bring their animals to be examined and treated.

In the fight against a continuing Dengue Fever outbreak in Tonga, the Ministry of Health is urging every Tongan family to take responsibility and halve dengue cases before the next rainy season. Dr. Reynold Ofanoa, outlined a community-centred action plan, during the release of the first Dengue Study this week.

Confidential information from Tonga’s health system has been copied and leaked by cyber criminals who have encrypted the National Health System and are demanding a USD$1 million ransom, which the government refused to pay.

Tonga's National Health Information System remains locked by hackers who hijacked the system nine days ago on 15 June. Medical staff cannot access the system, while the hackers are demanding a ransom from the Tonga Government. The Minister of Health said today that their inability to access recent medical history of patients is a concern but because Tonga is small the doctors know their chronic patients and can continue giving treatments.

A Blood Drive was held at the Tonga Red Cross Society headquarter today, 13 June 2025, where volunteers gathered to donate blood. The event highlighted the importance of donating blood and saving lives.

The Tonga Red Cross Society is calling on the public to donate blood this Friday, 13 June, during a Blood Drive held at its headquarters in Nuku’alofa, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This year’s theme for World Blood Donor Day is: “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives”.

Three newly renovated and highly upgraded operating theatres for Vaiola Hospital were commissioned today, 19 May, in Nuku'alofa. This project, which will will ensure improved surgical outcomes for the Tongan community, was financially supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in partnership with the Plymouth Brethren Church, the Rotary Club, and the Ministry of Health.

The latest SitRep indicates 15 new dengue fever cases confirmed through rapid tests, bringing the total cumulative number of cases to 697. The Ministry of Health has sent more blood specimen to the VDRL laboratory in Australia for serotyping.

A third death from Dengue Fever in Tonga was reported by the Ministry of Health today. An eight year old boy from Tongatapu is the latest victim of the virus that is spread by mosquitoes. All District Officers on Tongatapu were called to a meeting of the Ministry of Health today. From next week onwards they will start village inspections and a cleanup campaign targeting mosquito breeding sites. Most cases came from Ma'ufanga – including Houmakelikao, Popua, and Fangaloto. If the situation worsens the Minister of Health will declare this an emergency and mass gatherings may be restricted.