Tongan doctor steps into WHO’s top job in the Pacific

A Tongan medical doctor has made world history by becoming the first Pacific person elected as the World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala won the majority of votes ahead of nominees from China, Solomon Islands, Vietnam and the Philippines.

He has three decades of experience working as a surgeon in Tonga and across the Pacific, and as Tonga’s Minister of Health has championed initiatives on chronic diseases, safe surgery, and disaster response.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Piukala made special mention of his Pacific colleagues who supported his journey.

“At times it seemed like it was not possible, but today we have all reached a milestone and I must thank you all for your support.

“I’d also like to thank two of my mentors, Lord [Viliami Ta’u] Tangi and Sir Colin Tukuitonga. They paved the way first and reminded me that the only way forward is to go into the unknown and keep trying.”

The WHO Western Pacific region includes Australia and China. Photo/Hiam Chemaitelly via Researchgate

Viliami Ta’u Tangi held one of the noble seats in Tonga’s parliament, and was on the WHO Executive board.

Sir Colin was nominated for the role back in 2019 by Pacific health ministers, but was passed over for Japan’s nominee, Dr Takeshi Kasai, whose contract was terminated earlier this year after 'findings of misconduct'.

An investigation by the Associated Press quoted Dr Kasai blaming the Covid-19 outbreak in Pacific countries on “lack of capacity due to their inferior culture, race and socioeconomic level.”

In a social media post, Sir Colin celebrated his colleague’s success, saying “History was made tonight.”

Over the next five years Dr Piukala will preside over 1.8 billion people in 37 countries in the Asia Pacific territory.

WHO Secretary General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says he is pleased to have a Pacific person take on the role.

“Dr Saia has earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region. This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility.”

Dr Piukala will be formally appointed for a five-year term at the WHO's Executive Board meeting in January.