by Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
A new report from the Government of Tonga and UNICEF has revealed that thousands of Tongan children are facing not just one hardship, but several at the same time — a pattern UNICEF says is holding back an entire generation.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young said the findings show the depth of the challenge. “Behind every number in this report is a child whose struggle is not just one challenge, but many,” he said. “These are children experiencing overlapping deprivations every day — in their homes, in their health, and in their access to basic services.”
The report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, uses data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey to measure how children are being affected across key areas such as nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water, and housing. It finds that 25.3 per cent of Tongan children are living in multidimensional poverty — meaning several essential needs are unmet at the same time.
The youngest children are the most vulnerable. Nearly 59 per cent of children aged 0–23 months and 36 per cent of those aged 24–59 months face three or more deprivations, putting them at heightened risk during the most critical years of development.
Geography also plays a major role. Child poverty is highest in ‘Eua (48.9 per cent), Ha’apai (40.8 per cent), and Ongo Niua (35 per cent), while Tongatapu records the lowest rate at 21.6 per cent. Rural children are nearly twice as likely to experience multidimensional poverty as those in urban areas.
Housing deprivation is the most widespread issue, affecting more than half of all children. Health and nutrition gaps are particularly severe in infancy, with 76.9 per cent of infants facing health‑related deprivation and 68.3 per cent lacking adequate nutrition.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said the findings reinforce the need for early intervention and stronger social safeguards. Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Fane Fotu Fituafe said the report marks a significant step forward in addressing child poverty and improving inclusion for people with disabilities.
The report calls for coordinated, cross‑sector action to strengthen basic services and support vulnerable families, ensuring all children in Tonga have the chance to thrive.
