2 Mar 2016

Tonga health ministry welcomes NCD efforts

2:56 pm on 2 March 2016

Tonga's Director of Health says the ministry welcomes initiatives from other departments trying to help curb the epidemic of non-communicable diseases in the country.

99 percent of Tonga's adult population is affected by NCD's, according to the government's latest statistics.

A Chinese-funded livestock farming project is helping to decrease reliance on imported meats with the intention of banning some of the imported fatty meats in the future.

Meat being cut up on chopping board.

Photo: 123RF

Policy changes in the Fisheries sector, including the exemption from some taxes for all fish sold to the local market, are aimed at reducing prices so more locals can buy fish.

Siale 'Akauola said the government wants to encourage better health in all its policies.

"So when various stakeholders and partners develop their own initiatives, they have health in their minds. So at the end of the day, although there are some economic or food benefits for the people - at the end of the day, it makes them healthier."

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