14th May, 2019 The Government of Japan handed over disaster reduction equipment to Tonga’s Ministry of Health on Monday, 13 May 2019 through the Non-Project Grant Aid, NPGA. H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga handed over the equipment to Hon. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Minister for Health.
Attended the handover ceremony held at the Vaiola Hospital Multipurpose Hall were, Reverend Visa Taufu’i, Dr. Yutaro Setoya, WHO Country Liaison Officer, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, CEO of the Ministry of Health and Heads of Vaiola Hospital divisions.
H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii mentioned in his remarks the Enthronement of the Emperor of Japan and the name of its new Era, “Reiwa” and emphasized that the key objective of Japan’s NPGA is to strengthen capability against diverse social and economic challenges. “I am grateful to hand over the equipment to help the Ministry of Health enhance people’s preparedness and provide improved emergency services to everyone,” he said.
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The handover equipment is the third batch of Japan’s $6 million pa’anga NPGA for disaster reduction equipment formalized for the Kingdom of Tonga, in March 2015. The third batch consists of the each equipment for the Ministry of Health, NEMO and Tonga Broadcasting Commission. The equipment today contained 7 first aid kits (each content equivalent for 50 people), 5 tents, 13 mobile toilets with portables tents.
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Tonga’s Ministry of Health.
Hon. Saia Piukala congratulated the Accession of the Emperor of Japan and mentioned that the 3rd visit of HM Emperor Naruhito in 2015 accompanied by HM Empress Masako for the Royal Coronation of His Majesty, King Tupou VI, was the most impressive for him. He also thanked the Ambassador for the continuous NPGA donation received by the Ministry of Health. He assured that the equipment would strengthen response of the Ministry to disasters, and significantly improve health of the people of Tonga. The Ministry of Health have benefitted from NPGA donation in 2016 and 2018 with equipment valued over millions of pa’anga.
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Japan’s NPGA was introduced as a form of commodity aid to promote economic and social development of recipient countries. The NPGA will also support Tonga’s effort to meets its Strategic Development Framework and contribute to the betterment of the welfare of the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Attached; photos
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ENDS
For further enquirers please contact: The Embassy of Japan in Tonga.
Level 5, National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building / Telephone: 22-221 / Fax 27-025