The government has called for stronger international cooperation on digital health, climate resilience and primary healthcare during its address to the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Speaking on behalf of Tonga on Tuesday, Minister for Health Siaosi Sovaleni said global health challenges should be met through “shared responsibility” and equitable investment, particularly for vulnerable small island nations.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Sovaleni said reshaping global health “must be a duty shared equally by the largest nation to the smallest island”.

The annual assembly, organised by the World Health Organization, brings together member states to discuss international health priorities, including pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases and climate-related health risks.

Tonga’s address focused on four key priorities: expanding digital health cooperation, securing climate-resilient health financing, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and reinforcing primary healthcare systems and NCD prevention.

Sovaleni warned that digital transformation should improve access rather than deepen inequality, stating: “Digitize access, not exclusion.”

Pacific nations have increasingly raised concerns over the health impacts of climate change, including rising disease risks, extreme weather events and pressure on fragile health systems. Regional leaders have also sought greater international funding for adaptation and resilience.

Tonga concluded its statement by reaffirming its role as an “equal partner” in global health cooperation and collective efforts toward a more secure and resilient future.