The Government has requested funding from the World Bank’s International Development Association 20 (IDA20) grant for the Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga (HEART) Project. This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare access and service delivery in Tonga’s Northern Islands, specifically Vava’u and the two Niuas, and to improve the management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the nation.
Key elements of the HEART Project include innovations in service delivery, leveraging investments in the redevelopment of the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital in Vava’u, and enhancing the prevention and control of NCDs. The project also aims to ensure a rapid and effective response in the event of a crisis or emergency.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance will implement the project, supported by updated Environmental and Social Instruments. Compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is mandatory, with the project rated as having moderate environmental and social risks.
A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been developed to ensure transparent communication with all interested parties. The government is seeking feedback on the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and SEP to refine the project further.
