Chief executive of Tonga's Ministry of Health Dr Siale Akauola. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Christine Rovoi
Dr Siale 'Akau'ola has become Tonga's new Minister of Health.
He takes over from Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala who is now The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacificbased in Manila.
Dr Siale 'Akau'ola has this month completed 37-years as a civil servant with the Ministry of Health, four years in which he served as CEO.
He was at the forefront of Tonga's fight against Covid-19 and oversaw the installation of a testing laboratory funded by India.
He also pushed for widespread vaccinations and set an early target of 70 percent immunisation.
Meanwhile, Dr Piukala's resignation has triggered a by-election in Tonga.
A number of Cabinet appointments have yet to be ratified by the king.
Last year the Prime Minister said he had nominated a new Minister to replace former Minister of Fisheries Semisi Fakahau. That nomination has yet to be ratified by the king.
Reports at the time suggested the Prime Minister had also nominated a replacement for the Minister of Police.