A quarter of Tonga’s children are living in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest children and those in rural communities facing the greatest hardships, according to a new report released by the Government of Tonga and UNICEF.
The report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, found that 25.3 percent of children are deprived of multiple essential needs, including nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and adequate housing.
Based on data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the report examines how children are being left behind across key areas of wellbeing and highlights significant disparities across age groups and geographic locations.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said the findings highlighted the need for action to support vulnerable children and families.
“These reports highlight Tonga’s dedication to supporting all its citizens and underline the importance of guiding our efforts to put social safeguards in place before children and families reach crisis points,” said Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, as he emphasised the government’s responsibility to act decisively.
The report shows that the youngest children are the most vulnerable. Nearly six in ten children aged between 0- and 23-months experience deprivation in three or more essential areas, while 35.9 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months face similar challenges.
Children living in rural areas are also more likely to experience poverty, with 28.3 percent affected compared to 14.8 percent in urban centres.
Significant differences were also recorded across Tonga’s island groups.
Child poverty was highest in ‘Eua at 48.9 percent, followed by Ha’apai at 40.8 percent and Ongo Niua at 35 percent. Tongatapu recorded the lowest rate at 21.6 percent.
The report identified housing as the most common form of deprivation, affecting more than half of children across all age groups.
It also found major health and nutrition challenges among infants, with 76.9 percent experiencing health-related deprivation and 68.3 percent lacking adequate nutrition.
Children living in poverty often face several challenges simultaneously, with those affected experiencing an average of 3.4 deprivations at the same time.
Minister for Internal Affairs, Fane Fotu Fituafe said the report marks an important step in tackling poverty and promoting inclusion.
“Together, these national documents mark a significant step forward in Tonga’s efforts to address child poverty and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” added the Minister Fituafe.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young said the figures represent real children facing multiple daily challenges.
“Behind every number in this report is a child whose struggle is not just one challenge, but many, experienced all at once, every day
“Together with the Government of Tonga and other partners, UNICEF is taking action to address these findings so that today’s children are not held back by poverty but instead are given the chance to thrive and reach their full potential,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Representative, Hamish Young.
The report calls for coordinated action across sectors to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, housing, clean water and child protection services while strengthening support for vulnerable families.
It concludes that early intervention and integrated solutions are critical to reducing child poverty and ensuring all children have the opportunity to survive, thrive and reach their full potential.
