13th April 2016 At the launch of the Hala Fononga, – the “National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2015-2020”, the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Honourable Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva had spoken about the need to translate “our vision into action”.
A month and a half later, the consistency and tempo of the efforts being put in collectively by all involved seems to resonate as an echo of the Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga’s message.
Various government line ministries, a few NGOs and even some commercial sectors are working collectively, very much in an integrated governance manner, with TongaHealth (appointed secretariat for the National Non-Communicable Diseases Committee) co-ordinating and facilitating them. Multi-sectoral work is the call of the day!
Public Information:
An overview on the National strategy is being presented to the people through the people directly involved in it- starting from the Chairman of the NNCDC and CEO of the Ministry of Health Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola and the CEO of TongaHealth Seini Filiai, and Dr. ‘Ofa Tukia H.O.D. NCD-H.P.U., renowned diabetic specialist Dr. Taniela Palu, and many more who are part of this multi-sectoral partnership to achieve the goals on the National strategy.
Mediums being used are : Tonga Mo’ui Lelei – a television show on TV Tonga1 that is telecasted on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, radio shows and social media.
As work progresses, the extent of using various media vehicles will be increased.
Events:
April 6th ’16: Marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, TongaHealth coordinated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to host a “Sports Festival”. This initiative was another step forward towards multi sectoral partnership and had the Ministry of Health partnering with MIA, supported by the Government of Tonga and Australia, facilitated and coordinated by TongaHealth.
Various representatives of the National Sports federation of Tonga, had their own station to demonstrate the basic fundamentals of their sport or modified fun games for people to enjoy. The aftermath of cyclone Zena did not dampen the spirit of the people of Tonga, and the whole event was held indoors in the huge Queen Salote Memorial Hall with demonstrations of various sport activities being held, including- swimming!
April 7th’ 16 : Was World Health Day, and the focus this year was “Together on the front line against Diabetes”- Diabetes is one of the key NCDs that grabs hold of Tongans, and apart form their health also puts a heavy burden on their finances. There is also a startling rise in the number of pregnant mothers developing diabetes – referred to as Gestational Diabetic Mothers or GDMs.
Keeping this in mind, there was an in-depth interview with the renowned Diabetic specialist Dr. Taniela Paul, and the response to this show was phenomenal. As a follow-up on this interview there is a LIVE talk-back session is scheduled this week with Dr. Sione Tomaki and head nurse Seilini Soakai of the Diabetic clinic, Vaiola hospital. Most people in Tonga who have visited Vaiola Hospital know these two familiar faces, and they will answer questions on Diabetes with special emphasis on Diabetic mothers.
Work Progress:
TongaHealth is co-ordinating and facilitating various work planning sessions with the multi-sectoral partners for activities that will be carried out until June 2016. These work planning sessions will set the dice rolling for various activities as set out in the Hala Fononga to achieve certain strategy goals.
The implementers this year are pre-dominantly various Government line ministries – MoH, MIA, MAFFF, MOET to name some. NGOs like the Salvation Army and TYNC (Tonga Youth National Congress).
The NCD Strategy is a multiyear strategy funded by the Governments of Tonga and Australia, and other donor partners. The launch included the signing of a five year, A$2.1 million dollar (T$3.2 million) agreement, between TongaHealth and the Government of Australia to support the implementation of Tonga’s National NCD Strategy 2015 – 2020. Australia’s support is part of its A$10 million (T$15.3 million) bilateral support to Tonga’s health sector through the Tonga Health Systems Support Program Phase 2 (THSSP 2)
TongaHealth as the national coordinating body and Secretariat for NCD activities in Tonga, is responsible for ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach in the implementation of the National NCD strategy. Its role will include harmonizing funding streams for NCD prevention, strengthening communication and collaboration among implementing partners and strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of progress. The introduction of an NCD Secretariat is an innovative first for the Pacific.
As the third phase of Tonga’s National NCD Strategy, this strategy builds on the expertise and knowledge of implementing partners, and global and regional guidelines. It focuses on good practice and feasible actions that address the whole population with a clear emphasis on young people and a healthy start to life.
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Issued by the: Tonga Health