AGP Executive Report

El Niño Health Risks for Tonga: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations as a strong to very strong El Niño is forecast, warning of lower water supplies, dry wells, higher pumping costs, reduced crop yields, and knock-on health impacts like dehydration, skin problems, and more infectious disease risk. Workplace Injury & PALM Protections: A Tongan mechanic injured in Australia under the PALM labour scheme says support broke down after surgery, including accommodation and compensation gaps—highlighting how visa, housing, and welfare can leave injured workers especially vulnerable. Tongan Community Violence in Utah: A shooting outside a Tongan funeral in Kearns, Utah, killed one young man and left two others critically injured; a father has been charged with murder, raising urgent calls for community unity and safer conflict resolution. Travel-Related Dengue Alert (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urged residents to remove standing water, especially with rain risk after flooding. Coastal Flood Early Warnings: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is improving impact-based coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to help households and services prepare for cyclones and flooding.

Scholarships & Training: The IoP-NHC announced the third cohort of its Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent, selecting 30 medical professionals for master’s, doctoral or post-doctoral study across eight universities in Hong Kong and overseas. Workplace Health & Rights: A Tongan PALM worker’s serious injury in Australia has spotlighted gaps in labour protections, including support after injury and how visa, accommodation and welfare can leave workers especially vulnerable. Climate & Health: Tonga Meteorological Service expanded drought declarations as El Niño brings very dry conditions, warning of reduced water supplies, dehydration, skin and infectious disease risks, and impacts on food and livelihoods. Disaster Preparedness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is helping strengthen coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to translate cyclone forecasts into practical effects for homes, roads, schools and hospitals. Community Health & Safety: Tonga’s community helped rescue and return a juvenile long-nosed fur seal to open ocean after assessing its welfare with specialist remote guidance. Regional Health Watch: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Health Systems & Lifestyle (Fiji): A Fiji cardiologist says cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer, linking higher risk to diet shifts toward canned, preserved and fried foods.

Workplace health & labour rights: A Tongan PALM worker injured in Australia says he got little support after surgery and even slept in a park when accommodation stopped, highlighting how visa, housing, and compensation can leave injured workers stranded. Stroke & long-term care: Fiji and Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica has been forced into medical retirement after a stroke, underscoring the need for ongoing heart/brain follow-up and safe return-to-activity decisions. Drought & public health: Tonga Meteorological Service expanded drought declarations as El Niño brings very dry conditions, warning of dehydration, skin and infectious disease risk, and hygiene problems if water access drops. Coastal flooding readiness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is improving impact-based early warning for cyclones and coastal inundation—aimed at better protecting homes, roads, schools, hospitals, and other services. Mosquito-borne disease watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urged residents to remove standing water, especially with rain risk after flooding. Community safety & trauma: A deadly shooting outside a Tongan funeral in Utah left one dead and two critically injured, renewing calls for conflict prevention and mental health support after violence.

Drought & health risk: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations as El Niño brings prolonged very dry conditions, warning of reduced household water supplies, possible well drying, higher dehydration risk, skin problems, and more infectious disease and hygiene strain—especially as agriculture and livestock are hit. Disaster preparedness research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to shift from just cyclone tracks to clear household impacts on homes, roads, schools, and hospitals. Travel-related dengue alert (regional): Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 cases in 2026), urging people to remove standing water—especially with rain risk after flooding. Tonga health leadership: Tonga has appointed a new Health Minister, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, alongside new Infrastructure and Finance ministers, as Cabinet reshuffles follow court outcomes. Community wellbeing: A Tonga community in Utah is reeling after a fatal shooting outside an LDS funeral, with multiple injuries and renewed calls for youth support and conflict prevention. Water/health links: The same El Niño outlook also flags dry soil, crop losses, and rising pests and diseases—threatening food security and livelihoods.

Coastal safety & disaster readiness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to translate cyclone forecasts into clear household impacts for homes, roads, schools, hospitals and other key services. Water & health risk from El Niño: Tonga Meteorological Service expanded drought declarations as a strong to very strong El Niño is forecast, warning of lower water supplies, possible well drying, and knock-on health effects like dehydration, skin problems, and more infectious disease risk when hygiene water is limited. Mosquito-borne disease watch: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, with officials urging people to remove standing water—especially with rain risk—while transmission risk is expected to be low. Community health & wellbeing beyond clinics: Tonga’s Friends of Tonga was named a finalist for a global environmental award for community-led work that supports freshwater access, climate resilience, and reduced plastic pollution. Public health in the wider region: A Tongan community in Utah is reeling after a deadly shooting outside an LDS funeral, renewing calls for unity and support for young people to resolve conflicts without violence.

El Niño health risks in Tonga: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations across Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, with Niuatoputapu and Vava’u on higher alert, warning of lower rainfall, stressed water supplies, possible well drying, and knock-on health impacts like dehydration, skin problems, infectious disease risk, and reduced hygiene as water access tightens. Water-and-workplace vulnerability: A Tongan labourer in Australia says a workplace injury left him unable to work and, after accommodation support stopped, he slept in a car—highlighting how linked visa, housing and employment arrangements can leave Pacific workers exposed when labour hire firms collapse. Travel-related dengue watch (Hawai‘i): Hawai‘i DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 total in 2026), urging residents to remove standing water, especially with rain after Tropical Cyclone Lala. Tonga health leadership reshuffle: Tonga appointed new Ministers including Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola as Health Minister, alongside new Infrastructure and Finance ministers, as Cabinet changes take effect. Community safety after Utah funeral shooting: Reports from Utah describe a deadly shooting outside a Tongan funeral, with multiple injuries and calls for community support and town hall discussions.

Drought & Water Security: Tonga Meteorological Service expanded drought declarations as El Niño brings very dry conditions, warning of lower household water supplies and pressure on food production across Ha’apai, Tongatapu, ‘Eua, with Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou expected to worsen. Mosquito-borne Disease Watch: Hawaii DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 cases in 2026), urging residents to remove standing water after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Community Health & Support: Friends of Tonga was named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental work tied to community resilience, including freshwater access and plastic pollution reduction. Emergency Medical Transport: Tonga Navy successfully transported a nine-member medical team to ‘Eua for an urgent case after Vaiola Hospital requested immediate support, highlighting the lifesaving role of reliable inter-island transport. Health System Leadership: Tonga appointed a new Cabinet with Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola as Minister of Health, alongside new Infrastructure and Finance ministers.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Public health & safety: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation facilities and stronger border control. Health system & access: Tonga Navy transported a nine-member medical team to ‘Eua for an emergency operation for a critically ill mother, highlighting how fast transport can be life-saving for outer-island patients. Mosquito-borne disease watch: Hawaii DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 cases in 2026), with teams deploying mosquito-control measures and urging residents to remove standing water after flooding. Local governance & health leadership: Tonga appointed three new Ministers—Infrastructure (Tevita Puloka), Finance (Vika Sivoki Lavemaau) and Health (Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola)—as part of a “renewed blood” Cabinet reshuffle. Regional health & inclusion: Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers urged stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention and backed regional action on disability rights, health, education and early childhood development. Environment & health link: Samoa joined a €6m Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project with Fiji, Tonga and the Marshall Islands, supporting policies to cut single-use plastics.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding—aimed at reducing non-communicable disease risks like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Emergency care & transport: Tonga Navy rushed a nine-member medical team to ‘Eua after Vaiola Hospital’s emergency team requested urgent transport for a critically ill mother; the operation was successful, highlighting how fast sea links can be lifesaving. Drug response: King Tupou VI opened a national symposium calling illicit drugs a country-wide health and safety challenge, urging urgent integrated action, better rehabilitation capacity, and stronger border cooperation. Gender-based violence funding: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva pushed for more sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, plus stronger disability rights and inclusive social services. Local health leadership: Tonga’s new Cabinet includes Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola as Health Minister, with changes following court removals—bringing “renewed blood” and new priorities to health and other portfolios. Regional environment & health links: Samoa, Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga will join a €6m Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project supported by Germany’s GIZ, with SPREP and the Pacific Community implementing.

Breastfeeding & NCD Prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Emergency Care & Island Access: Tonga Navy rushed a nine-member medical team to ‘Eua after Vaiola Hospital’s Emergency Medical Response Team requested urgent transport for a critically ill mother; the operation was successful, highlighting how fast maritime links can be lifesaving. Health Leadership in Tonga: Tonga appointed three new Ministers—Infrastructure (Tevita Puloka), Finance (Vika Sivoki Lavemaau) and Health (Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola)—as part of a Cabinet reshuffle following court findings involving previous ministers. Drug Harm Reduction & Treatment Needs: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation facilities, and stronger border control and cooperation. Regional Health & Safety: Pacific foreign ministers urged stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, linking better funding to national planning and gender-responsive budgeting. Sports Funding with Health Upside: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, backed by major Australian funding for grassroots sport, school programs, and violence prevention and youth initiatives.

Health Policy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent NCDs like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Public Health & Safety: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation facilities, and stronger border control. Health Emergency Response: Tonga Navy rushed a nine-member medical team to ‘Eua for a critically ill mother in an overnight operation, with the mission reported as successful—highlighting the need for reliable inter-island transport. NCD Prevention & Data: The Health Ministry’s breastfeeding policy comes as Tonga also moves to strengthen national data systems, with a coordinated workshop to improve how public-sector data is collected and reused across sectors including health. Governance & Health Leadership: Tonga appointed three new Cabinet ministers—Infrastructure (Tevita Puloka), Finance (Vika Sivoki Lavemaau), and Health (Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola)—as part of a reshuffle following court findings tied to the 2025 election. Regional Health-Related Development: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, a $250m Australian-backed initiative that includes school rugby league programs plus violence prevention and youth support.

Health Leadership Update: Tonga formally read Royal Warrants for three new Cabinet Ministers on Sunday, with Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola returning as Minister of Health, Tevita Fatafehi Puloka taking Infrastructure, and Vika Sivoki Lavemaau leading Finance—appointments take effect Monday, following bribery-related removals and a wider reshuffle. Breastfeeding & NCD Prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps,” aiming to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Drug Harm Response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation facilities, and stronger border control and cooperation. Gender-Based Violence Funding: Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers urged stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, including gender-responsive budgeting and using climate finance to support prevention work. Public Data Systems: Tonga began a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and sharing, linking ministry systems to national reporting to strengthen monitoring across health, education, and infrastructure.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Public health & safety: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation facilities and stronger border control. Gender-based violence: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, urging gender-responsive budgeting and inclusion in national planning. Health systems & data: Tonga’s government began a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and sharing, linking ministry systems to national reporting to strengthen monitoring across health and other priorities. Global health tech (language for care): LINGUA Africa selected 26 projects, with healthcare a major focus, including work to build African-language tools for maternal and child health and clinical AI. Community support: Friends of Tonga was named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship work across the Kingdom.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to push skin-to-skin care, at least one hour of breastfeeding support after birth, 24-hour mother-and-baby contact, and formula only when medically indicated—aimed at tackling Tonga’s heavy non-communicable disease burden. Public health & safety: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing the need for rehabilitation facilities, better border control, and dedicated funding. Gender-based violence: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, urging gender-responsive budgeting and inclusion in national planning. Health systems: Government agencies in Tonga are working to strengthen public-sector data collection and use, with a coordinated workshop on shared definitions, information-sharing, and linking ministry systems to national reporting. Community wellness & caregiving: A New Zealand report highlights the “invisible workforce” of family caregivers, including a Tongan family member supporting an elder with vascular dementia and complex medication needs. Sports & injury awareness: Tonga-linked rugby and wrestling coverage also points to ongoing injury and rehabilitation needs, from ACL treatment delays in Fiji to a high-profile pec injury management story in NRL.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Drug response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation capacity and stronger border and cooperation efforts. Gender-based violence funding: Pacific Forum foreign ministers urged more sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, including gender-responsive budgeting and using climate/green finance to support safer communities. Health policy & data systems: Government agencies in Tonga are working to strengthen public-sector data collection and sharing across ministries, linking improvements to national development priorities including health. Court challenge with health links: A judicial review has been filed in New Zealand over BlackSky spy satellite launches, with a Tonga-linked Māori doctor among the plaintiffs—raising concerns about harm to civilians in Gaza. Sports medicine (regional): A Fijian women’s rugby player is still waiting for overseas surgery support after an ACL injury, highlighting gaps in timely treatment access across the Pacific.

Breastfeeding & NCD prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aligning with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” and aiming to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding—key gaps given only 37.9% breastfed within the first hour and 32% exclusively at six months; the policy includes skin-to-skin, protected mother-and-baby contact, and formula only when medically indicated. Drug response & rehab needs: King Tupou VI says illicit drugs are a national crisis needing an urgent, integrated response—calling for better education, rehabilitation facilities, and stronger border control and cooperation. Gender-based violence funding: Pacific Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged more sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention, pushing for gender-responsive budgeting and stronger inclusion in climate and resilience planning. Health system capacity: Government agencies in Tonga are working to strengthen public-sector data collection and use, with a coordinated workshop to improve shared definitions, information-sharing, and links between ministry systems and national reporting to support monitoring across health and other priorities. Caregiving & dementia support: A New Zealand feature highlights the heavy, often invisible burden on family caregivers—describing medication management, dementia support, and the strain on young carers, including those caring for elders with vascular dementia. Sports medicine (Tonga link): A Tonga/Portugal match doctor in Canada (Kyle Martin) discusses concussion checks and injury management at international events, underscoring the role of trained medical teams in player safety.