HEALTH

The Ministry of Health has declared a dengue fever outbreak across Tonga as the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to rise sharply. The outbreak has been reported in three island groups—Tongatapu, Vava’u, and ‘Eua—prompting urgent response measures from health authorities. Minister of Health Hon. Dr Ána Kauola confirmed the first case of dengue […]

SUVA, 23 January 2025—The Government of Fiji has declared an HIV outbreak following a sharp increase in newly diagnosed cases in 2024, raising alarm across the Pacific region. With over 1,093 cases reported between January and September 2024—three times the number in 2023—the outbreak highlights an urgent need for regional solidarity and swift action to

Children’s widespread use of smartphones and tablets has been labelled “insanity” by a United States social psychologist, who says Australia is “leading the way” with its “bold” new social media laws. In Australia, leading psychologists like Jonathan Haidt have raised the alarm about the dangers smartphones and social media pose to children under 14. Haidt

Vava’u, Tonga — The World Bank has just approved a transformative $30 million grant for Tonga’s Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga (HEART) Project, targeting the island nation’s high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease. With almost 80% of all deaths in Tonga attributed to NCDs, the project represents a lifeline

‘Oku ‘ikai ko ha me’a fo’ou ‘a hono tapalasia ‘e he kakai ‘o e fonua ‘a e Potugaue Mo’ui ‘i he ngaahi me’a lahi, ‘o kau ai ‘a e pekia ‘a e kakai ‘o e fonua lolotonga ‘enau ‘i he ‘api ko Vaiola. Ko e huhu malu’i ‘o e covid-19 na’e ‘ikai toe ha ngaahi

In a traditional Fijian ceremony this morning, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services extended a warm welcome to Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific. After ten weeks in his role, Dr Piukala chose Fiji as his first stop, a country he considers a second home

His Majesty King Tupou VI has officially appointed Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola as the new Minister for Health. This strategic move, effective from January 27, 2024, comes following the departure of Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, who stepped down to embrace his new role as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Western Pacific in Manila,

In a significant move to support the local fishing community and enhance access to healthy local foods, Tonga Health has formed a collaborative partnership with the Special Management Area (SMA) committees of Kolonga, Navutoka, and Manuka, alongside the Ministry of Fisheries. This initiative aims to establish a safer environment for fishers to market their seafood

On January 23, 2024, Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala was appointed as the) World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific by the WHO Executive Board. Dr. Piukala, has outlined a comprehensive strategy for his initial 100 days in office, which includes visiting numerous countries within the region, engaging with governments and key stakeholders,

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a significant move to bolster women’s healthcare in Tonga, the Tongan government has announced its commitment to acquire a state-of-the-art mammogram machine for the Vaiola Hospital. The machine’s acquisition, estimated to cost AUD250,000, will be made possible through budget support from the Australian government. Vaiola Hospital, the primary medical facility in