Ms. Grace Motu’apuaka First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission. and delegates.
Garvan Institute and Tongan delegation explore new opportunities to strengthen health outcomes for communities of shared ancestry
Building on the momentum of Their Majesties’ Royal Visit to Australia in 2025 and the shared priorities of the Kaumeʻa ʻOfi, representatives of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research met with a high-level Tongan delegation in Sydney on 11 September to explore new opportunities for collaboration in genetic health research and the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The delegation was led by the Lord Privy Seal and Secretary for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Mr Viliami Malolo, and included His Excellency Curtis Tuʻihalangingie, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to Australia; Ms Louise Waterhouse, Consul-General; Ms Jan Hutton of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Ms Grace Motuʻapuaka, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission.
Representing the Garvan Institute were Professor Chris Richards, OurDNA Program Lead; Mr Henry Tamasese, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager; Mr Nicolas Amador, Community Relationships Officer; and Ms Edna Sundin, NSW Recruitment Officer.
The Garvan team provided an overview of its genetic health research, including work examining how genetic and other factors influence individual and family health outcomes.
The research has the potential to contribute to more targeted and effective approaches to healthcare, particularly among communities with shared ancestry.
Focus on Tonga’s NCD burden
A key focus of the discussions was the opportunity to strengthen collaboration in response to Tonga’s high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including conditions that continue to place significant pressure on individuals, families and the national health system.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Pacific communities are appropriately represented in genetic health research, allowing research findings to better reflect the experiences and health needs of people of Pacific and Tongan ancestry.
The Tonga High Commission in Australia is expected to continue supporting the initiative through engagement with the Tongan diaspora and relevant community networks.
The shared objective is to strengthen connections between research institutions, government and the Tongan community while contributing to a better understanding of the factors affecting health outcomes among Tongans.
The meeting represents another step in building on the relationships and shared priorities strengthened during Their Majesties’ 2025 Royal Visit to Australia, with health, research and community engagement forming an important part of the continuing Tonga–Australia partnership.
