During Holy Week, leaders from government, health, and faith groups gathered on Wednesday, April 16, for the handover of a newly constructed building extension to Tonga Health Organisation.
The organisation is dedicated to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Tonga. In Tonga, 85 percent of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases.
The project, supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also included three vehicles to be used for transporting patients and personnel.
The new building extension enhances the existing facility and included a conference room, a designated break room, and a bathroom and shower room designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Tonga Healthcare Handover 2
The new conference room extension gifted to Tonga Health from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 2025© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Reverend Maloni Otukolo, who opened the ceremony with a prayer, said, “What keeps us busy? Are we busy praying or are we busy with Satan’s work? What I am grateful for is that we are busy in good work. Thanks so much to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as we are busy doing good work to lift people’s lives. We are busy doing the work of Jehovah today. Thank you for being engaged in loving the Tongan people.”
Representing the Church of Jesus Christ, Elder Sione F. Tuione, Area Seventy, said, “We are grateful that there is an association known as Tonga Health that focuses on searching for ways to promote the good health of Tongans. When Tongans are healthy, we see happier people who do the work that God is pleased with, cherished by the King, the Prime Minister, and those who are directing this nation.”
Ms. Ofeina Filimoehala, CEO of Tonga Health, expressed her appreciation and shared a life-changing personal reflection.
She recalled attending a devotional where Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke, and said she would never forget the counsel of his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, to pray to our Heavenly Father for the blessings we need.
Ms. Filimoehala continued, “I began to pray that way. I prayed for this extension, or something better.”
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Honourable Veivosa Taka, government representative and Tonga Health board member, who expressed sincere gratitude for the support and love from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actively involved in providing humanitarian projects and service that improve the education, health-care, and clean water for the people of Tonga and the Pacific area.
