Australia and Tonga enter next phase of 20 year partnership in health
17 May, 2023. The signing of the Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 3 (THSSP3) on Monday 15 May 2023 marks Australia’s continuing partnership with the Government of Tonga and the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation in the health sector.
Since 2009, Australia has invested approximately AUD30 million in Tonga’s health sector. Tongans continue to be at risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, with NCDs accounting for the top four causes of all deaths in Tonga.
Delivered through to 2025, Phase Three sees an additional AUD10 million committed to further improve health outcomes for the people of Tonga by focusing on equitable access to quality healthcare services across the Kingdom and the implementation of the National NCD Strategy by Tonga Health Promotion Foundation.
Through Ministry of Health, THSSP3 will focus on Community Health Care Centres including in the outer islands.
Phase 3 will continue to support Ministry of Health outer island outreach missions, with a plan to decentralise healthcare services by developing Mu’a Health Centre to provide services to the eastern populations of Tongatapu.
Professional development and training of doctors and nurses, along with procuring essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals continue to be activities funded under the program.
THSSP3 will also continue to support the activities and grants of Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, which are essential to improving the health and wellbeing of Tongan communities.
Australia has been proud to see Tonga Health Promotion Foundation establish offices in all outer island groups, and programs, such as the Mai e Nima in schools, Zumba and community and school vegetable gardens be embraced by communities.
THSSP has been a longstanding health partnership between Tonga and Australia, with many achievements over the years. Phases 1 and 2 established the Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Orthoses clinic at Vaiola Hospital, along with the renovations of the Mental Health Ward, and adoption of the Mai e Nima program into all primary schools.
“Australia is proud to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Tonga Health Promotion Foundation to address the impacts of NCDs and other health threats. We will continue to work with Tonga to offer our support where it is most needed,” said Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore.
Today, High Commissioner Moore signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Australia with Hon. Saia Piukala, Minister of Health, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, Minister of Finance and Mrs Ófeina Filimoehala, CEO for Tonga Health Promotion Foundation.
“We are grateful to Australia for this continued support to improve health outcomes in Tonga. There is much work to be done and this ensures that we secure the resources we need for our health workers to be better equipped in serving the Tongan people,” said Minister of Health, Hon. Saia Piukala.
Australia and Tonga are committed to continuing to work together to strengthen Tonga’s health sector and improve health outcomes for all in the Kingdom.
