Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Pacific Islands race to contain 'largest dengue fever outbreak in a decade', as disease kills 18 people
Samoa News
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August 14, 2025
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dengue fever has struck countries across the Pacific, where health authorities have recorded 23,500 suspected cases and 16,000 laboratory confirmed cases this year. The mosquito-borne illness has killed 18 people,...
As climate change burdens grow, community mental health alarm bells ring
Mongabay
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August 14, 2025
People worldwide are struggling emotionally with the relentless escalation of the climate crisis, and reports show that climate change-related threats to mental health and well-being are increasing. But this story goes beyond statistics to look at...
Tongan national charged with reckless wounding at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre
The National Tribune
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August 7, 2025
A Tongan national has appeared before Bankstown Local Court today (7 August, 2025) charged with recklessly wounding a security officer at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. The man was awaiting deportation for visa breaches when it is alleged...
Tonga to host Queensland Reds in pre-Rugby World Cup qualifier warm-up
RNZ
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August 5, 2025
Tonga v Fiji in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup clash in Nuku'alofa. 6 September 2024 Photo: Tonga Rugby Union The 'Ikale Tahi will host the Queensland Reds at Te'ufaiva Park on 15 August in a game the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) believes will be...
How a seawall construction project in Tonga is preserving lives, land and history
Deseret News - Utah
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August 13, 2025
“Matuku ’a e Tau” is a Tongan phrase that translates to “the end of warfare.” It is a phrase long-tied to the pivotal moment in Tongan history when the country’s first king gathered his warriors under a “special tree” and, according to Tonga’s...
Tonga says volcanic eruption and tsunami an ‘unprecedented disaster’
Pacific News Service
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Tonga is facing an “unprecedented disaster” from a massive volcanic eruption that covered the nation in ash and 15-metre tsunami waves that destroyed almost all the homes on two small islands, the government has said. Hampered by a communications...
Tonga’s meth crisis deepens as New Zealand’s role in Pacific drug trade fuels local market, expert warns
Kaniva Tonga
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August 2, 2025
Tonga is facing a deepening methamphetamine crisis, with experts warning that its growing local drug market is being fueled by transnational trafficking networks linked to New Zealand and Australia. Although Tonga’s Minister of Police, Piveni...
Health data hacked, bank scammed, power company duped: Is Tonga losing the cyber war?
Kaniva Tonga
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July 31, 2025
Commentary – The recent scam that cost Tonga Power Limited $270,000 paʻanga serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime in Tonga. The fraudsters impersonated a legitimate supplier, convincing the company to transfer funds meant...
Why these retired sports stars are in better shape now than when they were playing - and the medically guided program helping men feel 'superhuman'
Daily Mail
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August 7, 2025
Retiring from professional sport usually comes as a relief for athletes, as it draws the curtains on the gruelling daily workouts, early-morning starts and sacrifices they have made for their career. Many athletes famously 'spread' in retirement,...
China’s medical assistance boost healthcare development in the Kingdom of Tonga
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 6, 2025
Introduction The presence of Chinese medical teams in Tonga underscores the deepening bonds between the two nations, with ongoing collaborations aimed at elevating medical services and public health across the islands. This article shines a...
First group of Tongan patients referred to China discharged
CGTN
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A ceremony is held at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University to celebrate the recovery and discharge of the first group of Tongan patients referred to China for treatment, Jinan, Shandong Province, China, August 4, 2025. /Courtesy of the Chinese...
Pacific profiles: Pioneering health practitioner Aseta Redican
The Spinoff
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August 6, 2025
The Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public. Today, Aseta Redican. All photos by Geoffery Matautia. Aseta Redican (ONZM)...
First Tongan patients complete historic China referral
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 6, 2025
Eight Tongan patients have fully recovered and been discharged from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, marking the first institutional patient‑referral collaboration between China and a Pacific Island nation. The group arrived in Shandong in...
Queensland Reds set to play Tonga in Nuku’alofa
Pacific News Service
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The Queensland Reds will play against Tonga’s national side in Nuku’alofa on Friday, 15 August to build on Australia’s growing rugby bonds in the Pacific. The announcement is a strong follow-up to last year’s historic match between the sides when...
Saint George Hospital stands rebuilt as Beirut marks port blast anniversary
The National News
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Restoration work at Lebanon’s Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre is complete, five years after the Beirut port blast destroyed parts of the building. Standing just 500 metres from the site, the 150-year-old hospital, one of the...
Cooks, Tonga, strengthen ties
Islands Business
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August 3, 2025
CLIMATE change will remake the Pacific, even though it is not of the Pacific’s making. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said this was the irony of a phenomenon declared by the region’s leaders to be the greatest existential threat to the lives and...
TNU to launch new oral health degree in 2026
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 1, 2025
Tonga National University will introduce a new Bachelor of Oral Health program in 2026 to boost local dental services. The new degree, currently in its final development stage, is a joint effort between Tonga National University (TNU), the...
TNU to launch new bachelor of oral health program in 2026
Kaniva Tonga
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August 1, 2025
Tonga National University (TNU) is finalising a new Bachelor of Oral Health (BoH) program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Dental Division, marking a significant step in advancing dental education in the Kingdom. L-R: Ministry of...
Three minor siblings die of ‘mysterious disease’ in Vehari
Dawn
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July 31, 2025
BAHAWALPUR: Three minor siblings, including two infants, died of a mysterious disease at village Sundhal in the suburbs of Mailsi in Vehari district. The deceased were identified as Rehan and six-month-old twins, Muhammad Farhan and Muhammad Khan,...
Dengue Fever outbreak: More children die in Samoa, NZ govt updates advice
The New Zealand Herald
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August 1, 2025
“Before travelling in the Pacific, familiarise yourself with our advice for staying healthy on your trip.” a statement on MFAT’s SafeTravel website says. Important prevention measures include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and...