05th September, 2018 Today the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Honourable Losaline Ma’asi, attended the Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on “improving the use of taxation policy on tobacco, alcohol, food and beverages as a response to the non-communicable disease crisis in Tonga”, which was held at the office of the Governor of Vava’u.
“Tonga is one of the few Pacific island nations that have implemented programs to curb the rising tide of non-communicable disease burden in the Pacific” said the Honourable Minister, during her opening remarks at the workshop.
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“The Government of Tonga has used taxation policy on tobacco, unhealthy food and alcohol to influence consumer choice and behaviour” she added.
“It is important to monitor the implementation, outcome and impact of these interventions, which in turn will help policymakers make informed decisions on the way forward to improve the health of all Tongans” the Honourable Minister concluded.
“I encourage each participant, especially from the communities of Vava’u, to share their views and opinions on the way forward” said Ministry Acting CEO Mr ‘Onetoto ‘Anisi at the World Bank stakeholders consultation today.
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“Town and district officers in Vava’u play an important role in influencing the behaviour of local communities and encouraging healthy lifestyles” said World Bank Regional Office for the Asia Pacific representative, Dr Sutayut Osornprasop during his presentation of the findings from his study.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Internal Affairs.
