The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) are deeply
saddened by the passing of Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau, a
pioneering paediatric specialist who dedicated her life to
serving Tonga and the Pacific region. Dr Fakakovikaetau’s
efforts to ensure the best health outcomes for children and
their families, especially in the area of rheumatic heart
disease and paediatric oncology, will be remembered as part
of her legacy of service.
PMA Chief Executive, Mrs
Debbie Sorensen, expresses her heartfelt condolences to Dr
Fakakovikaetau’s family, friends and
colleagues.
“Her absence is a tremendous loss to
not only the medical sector in Tonga and the Pacific region,
but to her community that she so tirelessly served. As a
Life Member of PMA, we acknowledge her dedication to child
health and the lifelong impact that she has made in the
world of paediatrics, both in Tonga and in the
Pacific.
“At a personal level, she was also an
amazing friend, colleague and a courageous leader. Our
prayers are with her family during this time.”
Dr
Fakakovikaetau began her career in 1988 at Vaiola Hospital,
Tongatapu as a paediatric registrar, setting in motion a
35-year journey in paediatric health. Two decades later, she
established the “MAFU SAI” program which aimed to improve
morbidity and decrease complications for children with
rheumatic heart disease around the country. This program
initiated the partnership with Open Heart International to
provide open heart surgery for our children in Tonga,
leading her to receive the 2008 Heart Hero Award from
ProCor, a global network that promotes cardiovascular health
in developing countries and is funded by the Lown
Cardiovascular Research Foundation.
Dr Veisinia
Matoto, PMA’s Clinical Director for the New Zealand Medical
Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) and President of the Tonga Medical
Association (TMA), shares her own reflections.
“She
was an amazing person with an exceptional work ethic, high
standards and a huge heart of service. I am truly grateful
for her mentorship and invaluable friendship, and especially
acknowledge her as a long-standing member of TMA where she
served as President from 2007 to 2009.
“Our
thoughts, love and prayers go out to her husband, Dr Amanaki
Fakakovikaetau, their three children, grandchildren and
wider
family.”
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