Results for Pacific Islands

A population of coral reefs is making a remarkable recovery around the newest island on Earth, Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH), after it was formed during a volcanic eruption in 2015. A new crater connects the neighbouring islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai.

Samoa is experiencing the deadliest epidemic to hit the South Pacific in the 21st century. The nation’s Government today confirmed 55 measles related deaths with at least 48 of the victims being being children under the age of four. A total of 3,881 measles cases have been recorded by Samoa’s Ministry of Health since the outbreak began in October.

Measles continues to plague Samoa with 32 deaths now confirmed by the nation’s Government today. Samoa’s Ministry of Health reports the death of two teenagers and 243 measles cases recorded in the last 24 hours.

UNICEF is supporting the Government of Samoa to respond to a measles outbreak in the country. The Government of Samoa officially declared a state of emergency on 15 November 2019, four weeks into the continuing measles outbreak with more than 1000 suspected cases so far. The epidemic has claimed the lives of 14 children under-five years old and one adult. Lesser outbreaks are reported in Tonga and Fiji.

An acceptance by the Fijian Parliament of an apology by Prime Minister, Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama, for assaulting Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, a member of parliament and the former President of the National Federation Party, remains a controversial political issue in Fiji - because the person who was assaulted got suspended, while the assailant remains in the House.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF are calling on Pacific communities to vaccinate against measles in response to recent outbreaks of measles in Tonga and Samoa.

A Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development was formally established during a 23-25 October Forum meeting in Nadi, Fiji.

Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians along with more than 1,500 international performers taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have officially marched out of Sydney, following spectacular performances in the biggest-ever show in the Tattoo's 69-year history. It was highly appreciated by Australian audiences.

Tonga is ranked at no. 44 out of 107 countries this year, listed on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Asian countries are now world leaders when it comes to both global economic activity and global mobility, with Japan and Singapore holding the top spot ranked at no.1, while the Pacific Islands states are ranked between 39-62.