Tonga’s Prime Minister told the United Nations that Tonga aims to vaccinate up to 70 percent of its population by end of 2022.
In a recorded speech, Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly on 25 September, Tonga’s response was to remain vigilant amid this global pandemic.
“To date, approximately one third of the population have been vaccinated and Tonga aims to vaccinate up to 70 percent of the population by end of 2022.”
Tonga currently has a population of 105,924.
The Prime Minister expressed his sincere thanks for the COVID-19 vaccine that Tonga had received from the COVAX Facility of more than 70,000 doses, in addition to logistical and other support.
He also said that Tonga has been ranked by the World Risk Report 2017 “as the second most at-risk country in the world to natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding and sea level rise.”
Tonga is supporting the goal of limiting global warming and had submitted its second nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2020 and had also launched its Energy Efficiency Master Plan (TEEMP for 2020-2030), and its National Certificate on Sustainable Energy.
“A clear testament of our determination to achieving a sustainable energy future while mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.
SOURCE: TONGA WIRES/PACNEWS
