Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga Project (HEART) (World Bank-funded)

The Government of Tonga (GOT) has requested funding for the Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga (HEART) Project under the World Bank (WB) International Development Association 20 (IDA20) grant. HEART Project aims to support Tonga to improve the access to resilient healthcare systems and services delivery in the Tonga Northern Islands- Vava’u and the two Niuas and take further steps to achieve effective management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Tonga.

This will be done through service delivery innovations that leverage the investment in redeveloping the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital in Vava’u and supporting the effective prevention and control of NCDs, and in case of an eligible crisis or emergency, respond promptly and effectively to it. 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) are the Implementing Agencies for the HEART, covering the implementation of HEART technical and project management components , and will be supported by these disclosed updated Environment and Social Instruments.

Activities to be undertaken under the Project are required to comply with the WB Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the Project has been rated by the WB as having moderate environmental and social risks given risks and impacts are not likely to be significant, large or complex and are expected to be predictable, temporary and reversible. Risks are expected to be easily mitigated in a predictable manner and the project is expected to be largely positive.

The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) is developed in accordance with the WB ESF. WB recognizes the importance of open and transparent engagement between the HEART and stakeholders as an essential element of good international practice.

The objective of the SEP is to effectively engage with all stakeholders who have an interest in or may be affected by the project. The SEP outlines the target groups and methods of stakeholder engagement, throughout the life of the Project as well as the project’s grievance mechanisms.

The current disclosure aims to solicit feedback (verbal and/or written) from stakeholders on the presented ESCP and SEP. If need be, the ESCP and SEP can be revised at any stage during the Project, subject to agreement between GOT and the World Bank.

 

Click here to gain access to the updated Environment and Social Commitment Plan document (ESCP)

Click here to gain access to the updated Stakeholder Engagement Plan document (SEP)

Ministry of Health

Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health, Mr Reynold 'Ofanoa

Ministry of Finance

Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance, Mrs Kilisitina Tuaimoe'api

Central Services Unit Program Manager - Mr Saia Faletau

E: safeguards@csu-tonga.to

PH: 28550