Tonga and WHO joining forces to strengthen dengue outbreak response

Dengue cases have increased significantly across the Pacific region in 2025. Like many other local countries, Tonga is also battling an ongoing outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease, with 845 confirmed cases and three deaths. Cases have been reported on all four main islands, with the highest numbers in Vava’u and Tongatapu. The Ministry of Health has promptly responded to the outbreak, conducting a national review to identify best practices, challenges, and corrective measures in the outbreak response. Supported by the WHO, the review brought together health workers, administrative and financial officials, and community engagement experts. As a result of the review, the Ministry of Health has implemented several measures to contain the spread of the virus, including an improvement in patient care, an enhanced surveillance system to report and track cases, and anti-mosquito treatments. The WHO has fully cooperated with the implementation of these measures, sending a clinical management expert to Tonga to help enhance patient care and supplies of larvicides and insecticides to fight the breeding of mosquitos.
At the communication level, Tonga health authorities and the WHO have been sharing practical messages on dengue symptoms and prevention through radio, TV, SMS, posters, and village visits. Community clean-up actions such as removing standing water from old tires or containers have been encouraged, as well as simple steps to protect themselves from the disease.