New research explores knowledge, access, and barriers to sexual and reproductive health across Tonga

Nuku’alofa, Tonga

The project started in July 2025, with the aim of reducing unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among vulnerable, underserved groups in Tonga.

The research was undertaken to address a recognised gap in the evidence regarding young people’s knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Tonga. It explored their understanding of topics such as safe sex, contraception, and STIs, as well as the barriers and challenges they encounter in accessing SRH information and services.

A total of 57 participants took part across eight gender-segregated youth focus groups and seven key informant interviews with health professionals, church leaders, and community practitioners from the Ha’apai, Vava’u, and Tongatapu island groups. Grounded in Tongan-led Kakala Research Framework and the talanoa approach, the study adopted cultural and community-centred methods that reflected local values and ways of engaging with participants.

The report highlights that young people in Tonga are navigating an increasingly complex SRH landscape shaped by faith, culture, family, peers, and growing access to digital information. Across the findings, a recurring theme is the persistence of shame, silence, and fear of judgement, with conversations about SRH remaining taboo, particularly within families and church communities.

Additionally, while young people are accessing SRH information from a range of sources – including schools, healthcare providers, TFHA programmes, peers, family members, and online platforms – their knowledge is often fragmented and inconsistent. This underscores the need for accurate, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive SRH education and information.

The report also reveals persistent gender inequalities, with young men's sexual behaviour often viewed more leniently than that of young women, whose sexuality remains closely tied to family honour and social expectations. While most young people recognised the importance of consent, many described uncertainty about how it applies in practice. Young women, in particular, shared experiences of pressure and coercion, highlighting the need to strengthen understanding of healthy relationships, bodily autonomy, and respectful communication.

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa chief executive Jackie Edmond is visiting Tonga this week to celebrate a successful first year of the project, and to meet with the partners, stakeholders and TFHA project team in person. “This much-needed research highlights a global trend that young people are seeking out more information about SRH, while wanting to invest in their wellbeing and healthy relationships. It’s important that we listen to them.”

TFHA and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa remain committed to working in partnership with the government of Tonga, partners and community stakeholders to ensure equitable, reliable access to SRH services for all Tongans.

Read the research report