21 May 2018

Tongan minister providing Pacific voice against NCDs

8:01 pm on 21 May 2018

Tonga's Health Minister says a Pacific voice regarding the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will be heard at a global level over the next few weeks.

Tonga Minister of Health Dr Saia Piukala.

Tonga Minister of Health Dr Saia Piukala. Photo: RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox

In March, Saia Piukala was appointed to the World Health Organisation's Independent Global Commission on NCDs.

Dr Piukala said the commission was compiling a report which would be presented to the WHO for discussion shortly before being released next month.

He said there would be four main areas of concern.

"Number one; prioritisation and to identify and implement a small set of priorities within the overall NCD and mental health agenda; increase funding for action against NCDs; strengthen accountability for action on NCDs and increase engagement with the private sectors."

Dr Saia Piukala said the report would be the basis for discussion at the 3rd High Level United Nations meeting on NCDs in September.

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