The Tonga National University (TNU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, has initiated a four-day Behavioral Change survey to address the rising cases of dengue fever and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
The survey, running from March 12 to 17, involves students from TNU’s Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Media & Journalism, alongside UNICEF representatives.
Dr. Masasso Pāunga, TNU’s Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort in gathering important data to inform public health strategies.
UNICEF’s Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, Mohammad Alamgir, highlighted the survey’s significance, saying the collected data will be utilized to “re-strategize efforts to contain the dengue outbreak.”
The Ministry of Health has reported a concerning increase in dengue cases, with 21 new cases confirmed on March 11, bringing the total to 215 since the outbreak began. The most affected age group is 10-19-year-olds, with cases reported across Tongatapu, Vava’u, and ‘Eua.
HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, remains a significant public health concern in Tonga. The Ministry of Health has been promoting HPV vaccinations and encouraging preventive measures among women.
The public is urged to cooperate with survey teams visiting randomly selected households in various villages across Tongatapu. Their participation is important in shaping effective interventions to combat these health challenges.
