Tonga has week joined the global One Health framework in a three-day National Bridging Workshop (NBW) held in Nuku‘alofa.
The Department of Environment (Ministry of MEIDECC) hosted the NBW at Fa’onelua Convention Centre last week, bringing together health, veterinary and environmental officials.
Participants explored how climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution drive health risks across species and ecosystems. Over the workshop, sectors discussed where “they intersect” and ways to boost cooperative action.
In her closing address, Director of Environment Ms Atelaite Lupe Matoto said, “This is not just a technical exercise to take part in, but it is a commitment to a shared responsibility. Environmental factors are often the first signals and sometimes the last line of defence against emerging health threats.”
The deliberations aim to shape a joint One Health roadmap to foster stronger ties among ministries, sectors and communities.
The workshop was facilitated by WHO, FAO, WOAH, and SPC, with support from health, veterinary and environmental experts. It aligns with a growing international trend where NBWs are a key tool to bridge human and animal health systems.
The US Embassy in Suva funded Tonga’s participation, echoing its broader health systems support in the Pacific.
Tonga’s engagement reflects a regional push: countries across the Pacific are adopting One Health approaches to better detect, prevent and respond to shared health threats.
