Representatives of Australia’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research have met with Tonga’s diplomatic delegation in Sydney to discuss potential collaboration on genetic health research and the country’s high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Last Friday’s meeting was led by Lord Privy Seal and Secretary for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services Viliami Malolo, and follows the momentum from Their Majesties’ Royal Visit to Australia in 2025 and the shared priorities of the Kaumeʻa ʻOfi.

The Garvan team, including OurDNA Program Lead Professor Chris Richards, outlined research examining how genetic factors may influence individual and family health outcomes, with the aim of supporting more targeted healthcare approaches for communities with shared ancestry.

For Tonga, discussions centred on how such research could contribute to efforts to better understand and address NCDs, which remain a major health challenge.

The Tongan delegation included Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia Curtis Tuʻihalangingie, Consul-General Louise Waterhouse, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representative Jan Hutton, and First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission Grace Motuʻapuaka.

The Tonga High Commission in Australia is expected to support further engagement with the Tongan diaspora as discussions continue.

The statement did not specify a research programme, funding arrangement or implementation timeline, leaving the practical scope of any future collaboration to be determined.