For the first time, children in Vava’u’s sub-islands have received on-site dental care, thanks to the Dental Malimali Project.
The initiative, led by Tonga’s Ministry of Health, has completed its first round of visits to primary schools in Ovaka, Hunga, Nuapapu, Matamaka, Falevai, Otea, Taunga, Ofu, and Oloua.
Previously, dental services in these remote areas were limited to basic screenings and extractions, with complex cases referred to Prince Ngu Hospital. This time, portable dental units allowed dentists to provide on-site treatments, including fillings, root canals, fissure sealants, and fluoride applications.
“This means students and their families no longer have to travel long distances for treatment—dental care can now come directly to them,” the Ministry of Health stated.
The Malimali Project first launched in Ha’apai’s sub-islands in 2019 and has now expanded to Vava’u. The initiative was made possible with support from the Australian Government (DFAT), the World Health Organization, SPMT-Japan, the Rotary team from West Ballarat, and the Ministry of Education and Training.
With improved access to dental care, the program is expected to enhance children’s health and well-being in Tonga’s outer islands.
