HEALTH

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

The Chinese naval hospital ship, Peace Ark, has concluded its recent visit and medical mission in Tonga with remarkable success. Departing from Vuna Wharf in Nukualofa, the Peace Ark is now en route to Vanuatu, marking the third destination of the Harmonious Mission 2023. During its seven-day medical service initiative in Nuku’alofa, the Peace Ark

Tonga, like many Pacific nations, is grappling with the devastating impact of rising obesity rates and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These health issues have emerged as significant challenges, leading to preventable deaths and a strain on healthcare resources. However, the Ministry of Health Tonga and Tonga Health are spearheading initiatives to address this crisis head-on. By

A team of cardiac experts, led by Fiona Riddel, Cardiac Physiologist, and comprising Cardiologist Dr Jonathan Tisch, Cardiac nurse Edeltraud Schick, and Cardiac Physiologists Bridget McIlraith from New Zealand, recently conducted outpatient clinics and life-saving pacemaker and ICD surgeries in Tonga. The team, deployed by the Pacific Medical Association (PMA) under the New Zealand Medical

A new brief finds that smokers stand to develop age-related macular degeneration up to 5.5 years earlier than non-smokers. This blurs a person’s central vision making it difficult for them to do everyday tasks like reading or driving. The brief was developed by WHO, together with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and

Increasing production of more and more processed food, rapid urbanization, and changing lifestyles are transforming dietary patterns. Highly processed foods are increasing in availability and becoming more affordable. People around the world are consuming more energy-dense foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugars, and salt. Salt is the primary source of sodium