Tonga’s first Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) training promises faster, more coordinated responses to crises.
Earlier this month, the simulation exercise, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), brought together over 31 national and subnational leaders from various sectors. The training aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary for effective public health emergency management, directly benefiting the Tongan public by enhancing the nation’s readiness to handle health crises.
Dr Anup Gurung, WHO Country Liaison Officer in Tonga, stated: “Members of Tonga’s workforce not only have the knowledge and skills they need to coordinate the next emergency response but also have the technology to upskill others across the country.”
The training addressed gaps identified during Tonga’s 2022 Intra-Action Review of its COVID-19 response and the 2024 Joint External Evaluation.
Dr Joseph Takai, Senior Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, noted: “Since COVID-19, we have used several IHR monitoring and evaluation framework tools to assess our capacities in health emergency preparedness and response. More importantly, during these reviews, we’re able to convene experts from interrelated agencies and sectors thus strengthening communication channels and fostering greater collaboration.”
This initiative aligns with WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps, aiming to strengthen emergency workforce capacities and enhance multisectoral collaboration.
Dr Maya Cherian, Director of Public Health at Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, emphasized: “A coordinated multisectoral approach is essential for preparedness, response, and recovery. Through PHEOC simulation training, [participants can] learn from their peers and strengthen their skills and understanding before applying them in a real-world public health preparedness, response, and recovery effort.”
The training was supported by the PHOENIX program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.
This program aims to build resilient and equitable public health systems in the Indo-Pacific region, including Tonga.
These developments coincide with the recent adoption of the pandemic agreement by WHO member states on 20 May 2025, aiming to enhance global cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response. The treaty incorporates measures for equitable access to health tools and the establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System.
