Giving Hope, Saving lives: New Mammogram Machine for Vaiola Hospital

Tongan and Australian Government Joint Press Release

31 October 2023

On the last day of Pinktober, the Government of Tonga has committed to the purchase of a new mammogram machine for Vaiola hospital.

The machine will be purchased utilising budget support from the Government of Australia with an estimated cost of AUD250,000.

Vaiola hospital has been without a mammogram machine since 2015. As a result, the number of annual detected cases has dropped by 50 per cent.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku said that women’s health is a priority for the government.

“Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers for Tongan women. The mammogram machine will ensure doctors can detect cancer early, and women can get treatment as soon as possible.”

“I want to commend the Breast Cancer Society of Tonga and the Ministry of Health for their tireless work to raise awareness of breast cancer and bringing attention to the importance of procuring this machine.”

Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore said Australia is proud to partner with the Kingdom of Tonga to support the machine.

Tongan and Australian Government Joint Press Release

“This year’s Pinktober theme is ‘give hope, save lives’. We hope this new machine will do just that.”

“Australia has a twenty-year partnership with the Ministry of Health to strengthen health services. This is another great example of working with the Prime Minister, health and finance ministries to address the priorities of the government and the people of Tonga.”

-ENDS-