15th November 2018 The Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, as secretariat of the National NCD Committee and national NCD prevention strategy, presented special awards to its grant and sponsorship recipients from 2017/18 and 2018/ 19 financial year today at the Kalofiama ‘o Epworth Hall.
Hon. Losaline Ma’asi, the Minister of Internal Affairs is also a member of TongaHealth’s Board of Directors. She was the guest of honor at this event.
As secretariat, TongaHealth is able to strengthen the effectiveness of its grants because it has the mandate to work intensively with partners and donors to develop clear, shared and evidence-formed agreements to underpin the grants process.
The problem of NCDs is as the critical level in Tonga. With an increasing number of Tongans being affected by heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking-related illnesses, TongaHealth was established to combat this burden of disease and promote healthy changes throughout Tonga.
There are two types of funding streams within TongaHealth that was awarded today. This includes the grant program and the sponsorship program.
The grant program is an agreement between TongaHealth and a Ministry or organization to work towards a targeted goal and purpose relating to the reduction of NCDs. These agreements can exceed upwards to TOP$10,000 or more.
The sponsorship program is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles through effective promotion of health messages relating to TongaHealth’s four main priority areas. Sponsorships are eligible for NGOs, Government departments, statutory bodies, incorporated entities/organizations, recreational or sporting organizations, and village councils/boards with a maximum of TOP$2000.
Recipients who participated in our sponsorship program was awarded today includes; Ma’a Fafine mo e Famili, Maui Fusi Fonua sports, Pharmacy Staff Association, National Diabetes Committee, Malapo Tag, Tonga High School Sports, Tupou Tertiary Sports, Mr. Tonga, Kolomaile (‘Eua), Ha’apai High School, Taufa’ahau Pilolevu College, Foefoelua ‘o Ha’apai Veu, Inclusive Education, Ministry of Health (Nurses Fun Run & Walk) and SDA Lose n Live.
Grant recipients includes; Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs (Kau Mai Tonga and Fiefia Sports), Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Kiko Penitani, ICON Creative, Mai e 5 and the Fisheries Department.
It is hoped that through multi-sectoral partnerships, TongaHealth will effectively demonstrate that teamwork is a powerful way to strengthen NCD prevention and control.
Government officials, partners, and dignitaries also present in the occasion.
TongaHealth would thank its main donors, the Government of Australia through DFAT and the Government of Tonga for enabling this event.
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For more information please contact TongaHealth’s Office at 25721 or email at info@tongahealth.org.to