A new health promotion project aimed at providing students with integrated and positive experiences and structure, which promote and protect their health has been introduced in Tonga.
While launching the Health Promoting Project, the Minister of Education and Training and Acting Minister for Health, Siaosi Sovaleni said good health supports successful learning, successful learning supports health. Schools are placed in a unique position to promote health and development for children.
“Managing obesity is a good example of the close link between education and health. Childhood obesity is a troubling trend in the developing countries of the Pacific and Tonga is no exception. The culture of fast food, big sized portions has resulted in an increased rate of obesity and related health problems.”
“Today we are taking the small step but it’s a giant step for Tonga, our future depends on what we do in the present.”
HPS is a programme designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health.
WHO Representative in Tonga Dr Wendy Snowden said the model of HPS in Tonga focuses on three things, which are diet and physical activities, water-sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and well – being.
She said “Tonga has a long-standing commitment to health and development of children in Tonga. Health Promotion Unit (HPU) of the Ministry of Health has been working together with Ministry of Education on Health promoting School for more than ten years.”
National HPS has a committee comprised of representatives from eight private church schools, representative from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Training.
She added that HPS initially start with 20 schools in Tonga and they are hoping to make this Project an on-going one that will be implemented in all the schools in Tonga.
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