Results for Health

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.

A new cutting edge Intensive Care Telemedicine Unit worth $7.8 million pa'anga installed at Vaiola Hospital on Tongatapu, was opened by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala on 16 September.

The Dental Division of the Ministry of Health has received a 40ft container fitted with air conditioning and shelves for storing supplies of personal protective equipment. The container was donated by the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, Melbourne in Australia.

The number of COVID-19 active cases, which saw a second wave peaking last month, is on a downward trend in Tonga.

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.

New Zealand has committed $4.8 million funding to develop Tonga’s resilient health workforce, the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nanaia Murata announced last week, meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr. Saia Piukala and frontline healthcare workers.

‘Eua has of this week had 19 active COVID-19 cases. They are in home isolation and doing well, said Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. He encouraged those who are still not vaccinated or have not had boosters to do so, advising the public not to be complacent because COVID is still here and there are still different variants abroad.

Tonga may look at re-opening its borders to revive its economy if the current downward trend of active COVID-19 cases in the community continues to decline. There were only 234 active COVID-19 cases recorded as of 14 June.

Tonga's prime minister has called for a collective effort to tackle the leading cause of death and disability in Tonga - heart disease, diabetes and some cancers - in a National Non-Communicable Diseases Strategy for 2021-25 launched on 7 June.