The country joins Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Niue, the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Korea and Vanuatu in WHO's Western Pacific Region that have been validated as having achieved elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem since WHO launched the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in 2000.
“Lymphatic filariasis is a dreadful disease – it causes terrible pain and suffering for those who are affected,”” ...“The World Health Organization sincerely congratulates the Kingdom of Tonga for eliminating this disease as a public health problem. From today, the children of Tonga can grow up knowing that they are safe from this very nasty disease – what a wonderful achievement for the health of your people,” said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.
Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease that damages the lymphatic system, leading to severe disfigurement, pain and disability.