Taʻanea and Tefisi celebrate first vehicles for health services

The residents and kāinga of the villages of Taʻanea and Tefisi in Vavaʻu were in euphoric mood last week when they welcomed the first ever vehicles for their health services.

Photos supplied to Kaniva News showed women and health staff dancing while the two new vehicles were decorated with Tongan fine mats and tupenus.

The Minister of Health Saia Piukala said the two vehicles were part of the Ministryʻs commitment to the worldwide campaign by the United Nations known as – Leaving no one behind.

The campaign by the international body was designed to make sure “all nations of the world and all segments of the society recognized that the dignity of the individual is fundamental” by 2030.

“There is need for the health officers in these two villages to visit and reach out to the elderly”, Hon. Piukala said.

There were people who had medical emergencies but they could not make it to hospitals because there were no vehicles to take them.

He said the health services for the people of these villages had been marred by the fact the two health centres had no vehicles.

Hon. Piukala said he  believed it was important to “empower” his staff so they can keep on doing their utmost to deliver the best services for the people of Taʻanea and Tefisi.

The vehicles were funded by the government of Tonga.

Minister of Health Saia Piukala (L) with Taʻanea and Tefisi residents. Photo/Supplied

He said four scooters were delivered to the Haʻapai islands including Nomuka, ʻUiha, Kauvai Haʻano and Lotofoa two months ago.

He said the Haʻapai scooters were part of the international campaign.

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news