Following the powerful underwater volcanic eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai on 15 January 2022, devastation swept across Tonga affecting 84% of the resident population.
The Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC), a not-for-profit organisation who provide developmental assistance to medical laboratories in the Asia Pacific Region, have called for support of the 42 staff who make up the Tongan Medical Laboratory Workforce.
Through their Give-a-little page PPTC say the support will aid these critical workers in recovering from the destruction and debris caused to their family homes and allow them to return to work sooner.
As providers of pathology services in Aotearoa, Awanui are highly aware of the vital role medical laboratory personnel play in the healthcare of a community, and how important it is for Tonga to have this service operating. More so even now with the health implications a nation faces following a volcano and a tsunami.
So, on behalf of all the medical laboratory staff across the Awanui network, we have donated the balance of the generous contributions so far, to reach the initial goal of $5,000 in support our Tongan colleagues.
But let’s not stop there. We can all help PPTC raise even more for this important cause. The PPTC have now increased their goal to ensure the support has as much impact as possible.
We encourage you to help the Pacific Pathology Training Centre support the 42 hardworking people across Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Eu’a, and Vava’u islands by making a donation here.
The funds raised will be distributed evenly amongst the medical laboratory staff in Tonga.