Tonga Football Association (TFA) general secretary Lui ‘Aho put pen to paper on the Tonga Research Funding Agreement with FIFA this week and the programme will be launched on the main island of Tongatapu in July. It will be piloted among over 2200 students aged 11 and 12 from 15 schools.
“We are in a position where we feel we are ready to steer this very important project and I’m happy with the developments so far,” ‘Aho said.
The signing of the agreement follows a visit to Tonga in March by FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Jiri Dvorak, who arrived after a similar trip to Solomon Islands to introduce ’11 for Health’ to the country and conduct talks with TFA and government officials about implementing the programme.
Prof Dvorak was pleased with the outcome of the discussions.
“We have received strong support from the Tongan government, which is so important when it comes to rolling out a programme of this magnitude,” he said.
Unlike in other parts of the world, where a stigma is often attached to obesity, large bodies are revered in many South Pacific cultures, and this has contributed to high obesity rates in Tonga. As a result, related diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are increasing among the islanders.
Dr. ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki, the Minister for Education, Women’s Affairs and Culture, is fully behind ’11 for Health’ and is looking forward to its implementation.
“The rate of obesity is a significant problem for us so we support any programme that helps us address this issue and create a healthier society,” Taufe’ulungaki said.
“11 for Health is a very exciting programme and it will complement beautifully the work we are already doing in promoting healthy living for school students.”
The FIFA programme also has full backing from OFC, with Head of Social Responsibility Franck Castillo representing the confederation during Prof Dvorak’s visits to Tonga and Solomon Islands.
It will run as a complementary programme to OFC’s ‘Just Play’ initiative, led by Castillo, which likewise aims to promote healthy living, as well as encouraging physical activity and community involvement. Prof Dvorak is impressed by the impact of ‘Just Play’ and is excited at the prospect of the two programmes running alongside each other in Oceania.
The key goal of ’11 for Health’ is to encourage individuals and communities to be conscious of the health issues around them and how they can address those issues.
The objectives are shared through 11 messages:
1. Play football
2. Respect girls and women
3. Protect yourself from HIV
4. Avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco
5. Use a treated bed net
6. Wash your hands
7. Drink clean water
8. Eat a balanced diet
9. Get vaccinated
10. Take your prescribed medication
11. Fair play

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