Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare in Tonga by pledging an additional AUD10 million towards the Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 3. The agreement was signed on May 15th, between Australia’s High Commissioner HE Rachael Moore and key Tongan officials, including the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Saia Piukala, CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, and ‘Ofeina Filimoehala, CEO for Tonga Health Promotion Foundation.
This new funding reflects Australia’s pride in collaborating with Tonga’s Ministry of Health and Tonga Health Promotion Foundation to address the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other health threats that affect the Tongan population.
HE Rachael Moore, Australia’s High Commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the partnership and emphasized that Australia would continue to offer support where it is most needed. She underscored the importance of working together to combat NCDs and improve health outcomes for the people of Tonga.
Hon. Dr Saia Piukala, the Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to Australia for its ongoing support in enhancing health outcomes in Tonga. He acknowledged that there is still much work to be done and emphasized the significance of securing the necessary resources to equip healthcare workers in serving the Tongan people effectively.
The Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 3, administered by the Ministry of Health, will primarily focus on community healthcare centres, including those in the outer islands. One of the key objectives of this phase is to decentralize healthcare services and improve accessibility by developing the Mu’a Health Centre, catering to the eastern populations of Tongatapu.
The partnership between Tonga and Australia in the field of healthcare has been long-standing, with notable achievements during the previous phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 resulted in the establishment of the Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Orthoses Clinic at Vaiola Hospital, the renovation of the Mental Health Ward, and the successful implementation of the ‘Mai e Nima’ program in all primary schools.
The AUD10 million commitment for Phase 3, which will be implemented in 2025, aims to further enhance health outcomes for the people of Tonga by focusing on equitable access to quality healthcare services across the country. The Tonga Health Promotion Foundation will play a vital role in implementing the National NCD Strategy to tackle prevalent health issues effectively.
In addition to financial support, the program will also contribute to the professional development and training of doctors and nurses in Tonga. The procurement of essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals remains a crucial component of the initiative.
Australia expressed pride in witnessing the establishment of Tonga Health Promotion Foundation offices in all outer island groups. Community-centred programs such as the ‘Mai e Nima’ in schools, zumba, and the cultivation of community and school vegetable gardens have been embraced by Tongan communities as part of the broader effort to promote healthier lifestyles.
Since 2009, Australia has invested approximately AUD30 million in Tonga’s health sector, highlighting the long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Tongan people.
With this renewed investment, Australia and Tonga are set to continue their collaboration in strengthening the health sector and striving for better health outcomes for all Tongans, especially in the face of the prevalent challenges posed by NCDs.
