[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Located in the Polynesian area of the Pacific Ocean, Tonga is an archipelago of 169 islands with a population of about 108,000 people<\/a>. The life expectancy at birth in 2022 was 71 years<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 2 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The country experiences high emigration with an annual net outwards migration rate of 17.8 per 1,000<\/a>. The population growth rate is estimated to be -0.1%. The percentage of literacy, immunization, deliveries with a skilled birth attendant and access to water and sanitation is almost 100%.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”Health system and noncommunicable diseases” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=”HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”26px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The Ministry of Health of Tonga, explains an article in The Kingdom of Tonga Health System Review, administers and delivers preventive and curative public health services in Tonga, as mandated by the Health Services Act. <\/span><\/p>\n The article also states that<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”Government as main funder of health system” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=” HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”26px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 4 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Several data for 2022 are noted. In 2022, current health expenditure per capita in Tonga was US$ 378, representing 8.1% of GDP. Health expenditure from public sources accounted for 54% of health spending, external funding amounted to 46% and out-of-pocket (OOP) spending accounted for 3%.[2]<\/a><\/sup>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Tonga has one national referral hospital, three district hospitals, and 14 community health centres, as described in The Kingdom of Tonga Health Systems Review. Health services funded through general taxation are free at the point of delivery. Pharmaceuticals are also free if dispensed at health centres.[1]<\/a><\/sup>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Tonga\u2019s health system<\/a> focuses on primary care, prevention, and community engagement, prioritizing equity and sustainability.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 9 – Footnotes” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”13px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”a{color:#4c7e96 }” global_colors_info=”{}”]References<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]<\/span> Rodney, A., Sione Hufanga, Viliami Ika, Sela Sausini Paasi, Paula Vivili, Tu\u2019akoi \u2018Ahio, & Mafi Hufanga. (2015). The Kingdom of Tonga Health System Review<\/a>. In M. Whittaker & A. Rodney (Eds.), Health Systems in Transition (Vol. 5, Issue 6).<\/span><\/p>\n\n