A QUARTER of Tonga’s children live in multidimensional poverty, according to a new report released by Tonga and UNICEF.
The youngest children and those in rural communities face the greatest hardships
The report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, found that 25.3 percent of children were deprived of multiple essential needs, including nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and adequate housing.
Based on data gathered in the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the report examined how children were left behind across key areas of wellbeing and highlighted significant disparities across age groups and geographic locations.
Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, said the findings highlighted the need for action to support vulnerable children and families.
The Multidimensional Poverty concept goes beyond income or consumption, capturing overlapping deprivations faced in daily life: Poor health, lack of education, inadequate living standards, and vulnerability to environmental hazard
“These reports highlight Tonga’s dedication to supporting all its citizens and underline the importance of guiding our efforts to put social safeguards in place before children and families reach crisis points,” Fakafanua said.
The report stated that:
Around six in 10 children aged between 0- and 23-months experience deprivation in three or more essential areas, while 35.9 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months face similar challenges;
And children living in rural areas are also more likely to experience poverty, with 28.3 percent affected compared to 14.8 percent in urban centres.
Significant differences were also recorded across Tonga’s island groups.
Child poverty was highest in ‘Eua at 48.9 percent, followed by Ha’apai at 40.8 per cent and Ongo Niua at 35 per cent. Tongatapu recorded the lowest rate at 21.6 per cent.
The report identified housing as the most common form of deprivation, affecting more than half of children across all age groups.
It also found major health and nutrition challenges among infants, with 76.9 percent experiencing health-related deprivation and 68.3 percent lacking adequate nutrition.
Children living in poverty often face several challenges simultaneously, with those affected experiencing an average of 3.4 deprivations at the same time.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young said the figures represenedt real children facing multiple daily challenges.
“Behind every number in this report is a child whose struggle is not just one challenge, but many, experienced all at once, every day,’’ Young said.
“Together with the Government of Tonga and other partners, UNICEF is taking action to address these findings so that today’s children are not held back by poverty but instead are given the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.’’
The report recommended coordinated action across sectors to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, housing, clean water and child protection services while strengthening support for vulnerable families.
Source: Pacnews
