HEALTH

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

The Tongan Ministry of Health, the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are jointly celebrating the 75th anniversary of WHO, marking 75 years of multilateral partnership resulting in increased access to lifesaving healthcare and improved health in the Pacific. While celebrating this milestone, the three organizations are calling on countries and partners