National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2015-2020.

The Tonga Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2015-2020 is a national strategy with a cross-sectoral approach. Its vision is to develop integrated approaches to address non-communicable diseases in order to reduce premature death, illness and disability. The strategy is designed with four outcomes in mind: 1-Tongan infants (age 2 and under) have a healthier start to life; 2-Tongans are leading healthier lifestyles (with a focus on children and adolescents); 3-Improved early detention, treatment and sustained management of people with or at high risk of NCDs; 4-Strengthened monitoring and surveillance supports evidence based action. The long term outcomes include a reduction in the unconditional probability of dying between age 30 and 70 from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases.
Whilst the NCDs Strategy 2015-2020 will continue to focus on tobacco use, unhealthy eating, harmful use of alcohol and physical inactivity across the population, investment and effort wil be focused on areas and groups where it is anticipated the best long term impact on reducing NCDs morbidity and mortality can be achieved. The strategy focus areas include: a) Supporting Tongans to have a healthier start to life; b) Policy action to address environmental determinants; c) Tobacco and Unhealthy eating; d) Universal Coverage of essential services.
The first outcome will be achieved through actions to halt the number of babies exposed to the risks associated with being born to a mother with diabetes (GDM or Type 2) and improve infant and toddler nutrition. Activities focused on promoting healthier lifestyles will ensure that Tongans are meeting the WHO Global Physical Activity Guidelines, Tongans are eating a healthier diet, reduce alcohol related harm, build evidence about the health impact of kava use in Tonga.
Considerations of gender, equity and social inclusion will be embedded in the work planning Process.
The strategy implementation will be assisted by strengthened coordination, integration, monitoring, and reporting. Tonga Health is appointed as secretariat to the NNCDC to coordinate planning and implementation of the National NCD strategy, to facilitate multi-sectoral engagement to harmonise and cooperate activities of the strategy, and to make decisions on the activities to be funded. The strategy will receive oversight from a multi-sector governance entity, specifically called the National NCDs comprised of members of different government entities, and civil society organizations. Tonga Health will prepare the National Strategy Annual Report for endorsement by the NNCDC prior to publication each year. Tonga Health will ensure that lessons learnt from program evaluation are shared with stakeholders and taken into account with program development.