Bridging the Gaps in Cancer ^Featured

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a, who is also the TMA patron, opened the conference, which has as its theme:  “Malignancies on the rise- Fact or Fiction? Bridging the Gaps in Cancer Care”.

The opening of the three day conference was attended by members of the Royal family, the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Cabinet Ministers, Australian High Commissioner, Brett Aldam and members of the Diplomatic Corp amongst other guests.

TMA President Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa said while delivering the welcome speech and emphasizing the importance of the theme, that participants will discuss available statistics on cancer cases here in Tonga during the week.

“These deliberations and sharing of information will provide new ideas for the prevention program and early detection of cancer that will ultimately improve cancer treatment here in Tonga,” he said.

The TMA is the first medical association of professionals in Tonga.

It was established in 1942 with a few medical professionals in Tonga and was known then as the Tonga Medical Practitioners Association.

Dr. ‘Ofanoa said that the association is indebted to “our pioneers and their vision”.

“The association has continued to grow in the years and they have proved to provide high standards of medical practitioners. In the coming days, the deliberation will continue to promote development of the association to meet its standard,” he said.

He said the theme colour for this year is lavender – which is a flower.

“It specific traits are its beautiful coloured fragrance. It also symbolizes nobility, grace, elegance, something so special and unique. People suffering from cancer are unique, beautiful flowers with dignity, which should be acknowledged and respected by all,” he said.

In the keynote address, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a revealed that it’s his desire to address issues with regards cancer in the hope of making a difference.

During the program a tribute to the late TMA members was conducted by Dr. George ‘Aho.

This included the late Dr. Sateki Naufahu ‘Uhila Tu’itavake and Dr. Semisi Fonua Latu, who both passed away in 2012, and the late Dr Malakai ‘Ake who passed away in 2013.

A tribute to a retiring member - Dr. Makameone Taumoepeau – was made by Dr. Toakase Fakakovikaetau to who is retiring in December.

The guest speaker for the conference is Dr. Michael Jackson from Sydney, Australia.

The conference is being co-hosted by the TMA, Pacific Medical Association, World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health.

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Disaster Management, Information, Environment, Climate Change and Communications