AGP Executive Report

Frontline Pay in Budget Talks: Fiji’s Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the 2026-2027 national budget must fully cover salaries, allowances and overtime to prevent disruptions and burnout as staff shortages continue. Public Health Law Under Scrutiny: The Public Health Amendment Bill faces pushback as WAF warns water shutdown powers must involve consultation, while the Consumer Council urges compulsory vaccinations and treatment only with scientific support and fair, proportionate penalties. Dengue Fight Gets a Chemical-Free Boost: A nationwide dengue control program will roll out mosquito lamps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps through a Ministry-GX Foundation partnership. HIV and Drug Crisis Needs Whole-of-Government Response: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn HIV cannot be solved by healthcare alone, pointing to drug use, early exposure and the need for coordinated action across law, education and social services. Youth at Risk: Doctors told of children as young as Year 4 using drugs, with calls for empathy, family support and stronger prevention. Environment and Health Linked: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must stop “slowly strangling” nature with waste, as pollution threatens rivers, reefs and public health. Public Health Officers Face Abuse: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face hostility, abuse and assault while enforcing community protections. Care Story: A woman in Fiji returned home after successful urgent mechanical mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease at Pacific Specialist Healthcare. Waste Incinerator Rejected: Fiji’s Department of Environment says a proposed Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator failed required standards and was not approved. HIV Numbers Alarm: New figures highlight 117 HIV deaths and a surge in new cases, with young people urged to use free services and avoid risky behaviours.

Heart Care in Fiji: Maria Asuelu returned home after successful urgent mechanical mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals, with doctors saying her recovery was uneventful. Public Health Training: Fiji National University and GX Foundation signed an MoU to expand public health and youth development through workshops, training, research and knowledge exchange, targeting vector-borne disease and disaster preparedness. Mosquito-Borne Disease Push: Fiji launched a nationwide dengue and other mosquito-borne disease control program supported by GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and fly sticky papers. Public Health Law Debate: Parliament heard calls to strengthen Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill with clearer, evidence-based limits on compulsory vaccinations and treatment, plus concerns about unfair equal fines for residents and businesses. Environmental Health Under Pressure: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face abuse and assault while protecting communities, urging stronger legal powers. Waste and Pollution: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warned pollution is a public health threat, unveiling a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and Fiji’s first National Plastics Inventory. Hazardous Chemicals: Fiji is preparing its Stockholm Convention report and moving toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions, including setting up a scientific lab for chemical testing. Fiji’s HIV Crisis: Reports highlight ongoing concern over HIV transmission, including young people being hit hardest.

Public Health Law Scrutiny: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill is under pressure as the Consumer Council warns compulsory vaccinations and treatment must be backed by scientific grounds and only used in true emergencies, while Parliament also heard calls for fairer, tiered penalties and clearer definitions. Environmental Health Under Fire: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face abuse, assault and hostility while enforcing community health protections, even as they support stronger legal powers of entry. Vector-Borne Disease Push: Fiji is stepping up its fight against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases with a nationwide program backed by GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, nets and mosquito control tools. Fiji Police/Military Death Investigations: Police say investigations into the custody death of Jone Vakarise continue, with earlier claims challenged by a leaked death certificate; separate probes also continue into another death linked to a joint taskforce raid. Waste & Plastics as Health Issues: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged behaviour change on waste disposal, launching a plastics inventory and pushing container deposit rules as pollution threatens public health. Food Safety for Exports: Fiji and other Pacific authorities trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc, with health risks tied to improper freezing. Hazardous Chemicals Management: Fiji is preparing its next Stockholm Convention report and moving toward joining major chemicals and mercury conventions, including building local lab capacity for testing.

Vector-borne disease push: Fiji has launched a nationwide dengue and mosquito-borne disease control program with support from the GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and fly sticky papers, aiming to boost prevention, detection and outbreak response. Public health law updates: The Fiji Institute of Environmental Health is urging Parliament to add noise pollution to the Public Health Amendment Bill so environmental health officers can enforce standards and act on common community complaints. Housing as health issue: The same institute is also calling for minimum rental housing standards in the bill, citing overcrowding, poor ventilation and inadequate sanitation in complaints from tenants and communal camps. HIV and drug prevention in schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa told students to reject drugs and help curb Fiji’s growing HIV crisis, citing 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025 and 117 HIV-related deaths. Healthcare infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is receiving major upgrades, including a new six-berth mortuary, accessible facilities, and a digital X-ray machine to strengthen diagnostics. Hazardous chemicals management: Fiji is preparing its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants and is moving toward joining other chemicals conventions, alongside building local lab testing capacity.

Vector-borne disease push: Fiji launched a nationwide dengue and other mosquito-borne control program with GX Foundation support, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and sticky papers, to boost outbreak prevention and response. Public health law updates: The Fiji Institute of Environmental Health wants noise pollution explicitly included in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce standards; it also urges minimum rental housing standards to tackle overcrowding, poor ventilation and sanitation risks. HIV and drug prevention: Health officials urged students to reject drugs amid Fiji’s growing HIV burden, linking illicit drug use to higher infection risks. Healthcare infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is upgrading services with a new mortuary, accessible facilities, showers and a digital X-ray machine. Safety and accountability: Police are investigating the death of Kinoya man Sakiasi Ose after alleged joint police-military raid circumstances; the family says he was assaulted and later suffered severe complications. Environment & chemicals: Fiji is strengthening hazardous chemical and waste management for its Stockholm Convention reporting, including steps toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions. Food safety for seafood exports: Pacific fisheries authorities trained on new EU freezer vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Community health via food: The Ministry urged families to grow home gardens to improve nutrition, cut costs and reduce lifestyle disease risk.

Public Health & Housing: Fiji Institute of Environmental Health is urging lawmakers to add minimum rental housing standards to the Public Health Amendment Bill, citing recurring complaints about poor ventilation and shared toilets/bathrooms that put tenants at risk. HIV & Drugs in Schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa told students to reject drugs and warned Fiji’s HIV challenge is worsening, citing 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025 and 117 HIV-related deaths. Healthcare Infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is getting major upgrades, including a new six-berth mortuary, accessible amenities, and a floor-mounted digital X-ray machine to strengthen diagnostics. EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU rules tightening freezer vessel temperatures, after concerns about tuna not consistently reaching minus 18°C in brine. Waste, Health & Environment: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected TNG’s Vuda Point energy-from-waste EIA over unresolved public health, hazardous ash, emissions and other risks; TNG has until July 3 to appeal. Community Recycling: Nasinu Town Council launched the Return and Earn initiative to pay residents for eligible bottles and cans, aiming to cut litter and improve cleanliness.

Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port Environmental Impact Assessment, citing unresolved risks around public health, hazardous ash, imported waste, emissions, water supply, and major social, cultural and tourism impacts; Legal Pathway: the developer has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal; Community Health & Nutrition: Northern Division health data shows overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren rose from 5% in 2021 to 7% in 2025, with lunchbox quality still poor; Prevention in Schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa urged students to reject drugs and warned Fiji’s HIV challenge is worsening; Rural Health Infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is getting upgrades including a new digital X-ray and expanded mortuary facilities; Food Security & Wellness: Agriculture officials in Labasa promoted home gardening as a way to improve diet, cut costs, and build resilience against storms and floods; Player Welfare (Health Angle): Fiji Rugby launched the Fiji Rakavi Foundation with medical support and education pathways for players beyond retirement.

Vuda Waste-to-Energy Blocked: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port plan, citing unresolved gaps in the Environmental Impact Assessment, including imported waste, hazardous ash handling, water supply, public health risks, and major social, cultural and tourism concerns. Public Health Law Push: Fiji National University is urging the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 to use tiered fines, with bigger penalties for large corporations than individual residents, and to set fines through regulations so they can be updated more often. Child Nutrition Alarm: Northern Division health data shows overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren up 40% over five years, alongside weak lunchbox quality, with only a small share meeting balanced-meal standards. HIV Update: Fiji’s 2025 HIV figures show 2,016 newly registered cases, 117 deaths, and a worrying pattern of late linkage to care, with men accounting for most cases and iTaukei people making up the vast majority. Water & Sanitation: A new borehole project in Gusuisavu improves clean water access for 90+ households, while heavier downpours are worsening sanitation problems in informal settlements—turning climate issues into direct health risks. Care for Mothers: A new study will measure postpartum depression prevalence in Fiji and identify gaps in maternity mental health support. Corrections Service Response: Fiji Corrections Service denies social media claims of inmate injuries during a snap search, saying any segregation followed procedures.

Public Health Law Reform: Fiji National University urges the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 to use tiered fines (higher for big companies than individuals) and set penalties via regulations so updates can happen without repeated law changes. Community Health Enforcement: Suva City Council backs stronger powers for environmental health officers to enter properties and informal settlements, while MPs warn penalties could unfairly hit families lacking sewerage and drainage. Public Health Coordination: Suva City Council also calls for a clearer, multi-agency public health framework that links local councils, water authorities and environmental bodies, with “public health” defined in the Bill. Child Nutrition: Northern Division data shows overweight/obesity among primary schoolchildren up 40% (5% in 2021 to 7% in 2025), with lunchbox audits finding few balanced meals. Maternal Mental Health: A new study will assess postpartum depression prevalence in Fiji by surveying 300 mothers at CWM Hospital and using clinic interviews. HIV Update: Fiji’s 2025 HIV report flags major gaps—nearly 42% of diagnosed people not enrolled in care, with young adults 20–24 driving a large share of new cases. Water Access: A new borehole project in Gusuisavu improves clean water access for 90+ households, easing shortages that often hit women and children hardest. Environment & Health Risk: Fiji rejects an energy-from-waste incinerator proposal for Vuda Point, citing unresolved public health risks, hazardous ash management, and imported waste concerns. Corrections Service: Fiji Corrections Service denies social media claims of inmate injuries during a snap search, saying force used was necessary and segregation followed procedures.

HIV Crisis Update: Fiji’s 2025 HIV figures show a worsening epidemic: 2,016 newly registered cases (highest since surveillance began), 117 HIV-related deaths, and only 56% on antiretroviral therapy—while 42% of diagnosed people were not enrolled in care and just 15% had documented viral suppression. Young Adults Hit Hard: People aged 20–24 accounted for 32% of new diagnoses, with a sharp rise from 2022–2024, and paediatric cases linked to mother-to-child transmission also increased. Public Health Law Debate: MPs raised concerns that the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill could penalise informal settlement residents who lack sewerage and drainage, while iTaukei Affairs asked for a clearer definition of “obstruction” so villagers understand what could trigger fines. Rural Health Coordination: The Rural, Maritime and National Disaster Management ministry wants provincial and divisional offices included in the bill’s coordination mechanisms, citing gaps exposed during COVID-19. Diabetes Funding Push: Diabetes Fiji is calling for at least $1m in direct government funding for diabetes services, warning overcrowded clinics and rural access gaps are driving complications. Prison Health Allegations: Fiji Corrections Service rejected social media claims of inmate injuries during a Maximum Correctional Centre search, saying alleged incidents are under internal investigation and that officers used only necessary force. Drug Case in Court: In the Vatia drug seizure matter, an accused alleges repeated assaults in custody and delayed medical treatment, with the court ordering hospital assessment.

Public Health Bill Debate: Opposition MPs and Suva City Council warn Fiji’s proposed Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 could unfairly burden informal settlement residents with penalties, despite many lacking sewerage and drainage; lawmakers also push for clearer definitions of “obstruction” and stronger community engagement before enforcement. Rural Health Coordination: The Rural, Maritime and National Disaster Management ministry asks Parliament to include provincial and divisional offices in the bill’s coordination mechanisms, citing gaps exposed during COVID-19. Village Enforcement Change: The bill would remove a long-standing exemption that kept national public health enforcement from iTaukei villages, aiming for faster outbreak response but raising concerns about penalties and powers. HIV Crisis Update: Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025 (up 27%), with 42% not linked to care; 117 HIV-related deaths were reported, including 17 children under 15, and young adults aged 20–24 drove nearly a third of new cases. Prevention in Schools: Health officials say schools must lead the fight against non-communicable diseases, targeting obesity and diabetes early. Flu Vaccine Supply: SK Bioscience wins its first UNICEF influenza vaccine contract, with shipments planned for Fiji and other countries.

Public Health Reform: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill is set to modernise laws untouched for over 90 years, with consultations underway to strengthen responses to emerging diseases and improve rural public health delivery. Village Enforcement Gap: A proposed change would remove a near-century exemption that left villages outside national public health enforcement, aiming to speed up action during outbreaks after COVID-19 exposed legal limits on inspectors. NCD Prevention in Schools: The Assistant Health Minister says schools must lead the fight against non-communicable diseases as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension hit younger ages, calling for healthier food environments for children. Flu Vaccine Supply Boost: SK Bioscience won its first UNICEF influenza vaccine contract, with shipments planned for Fiji and other countries across both hemispheres, targeting about 640,000 doses by year-end. Health Court Update: In Lautoka, defence sought interpreter access for a Hungarian drug accused, highlighting communication barriers during court and medical visits. Regional Partnerships: PM Rabuka says Israel’s expanded presence in Fiji could support cooperation in health and digital transformation, while advocacy groups condemned the embassy opening over Gaza-related concerns.

NCD Prevention in Schools: Fiji’s Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says schools must become the frontline against non-communicable diseases as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension hit younger ages, urging healthier food environments for children. Village Public Health Enforcement: A proposed amendment to Fiji’s Public Health Act would remove a long-standing exemption that prevented national health enforcement in villages, aiming to speed up outbreak response; officials cited enforcement gaps linked to leptospirosis and dengue. Flu Vaccine Supply Boost: SK Bioscience secured its first UNICEF influenza vaccine contract, with shipments planned for Fiji and other countries across both hemispheres. Health System Access via Diplomacy: India says it delivered a haemodialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC-III commitments, highlighting ongoing Pacific healthcare support. Local Health Case in Court: MP Ugi William Bradford Marau’s criminal conversion case was adjourned again due to ongoing health issues and delays in medical reporting. Global Health Tragedy (Not Fiji): A newlywed Delta pilot, Dave Fiji, died in a helicopter crash in Georgia hours after his wedding; his bride survived with injuries.

Northern Leadership Push: Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube urged a leadership change during a Northern tour, saying Vanua Levu’s “unfulfilled promises” have left essential services—including healthcare—lagging, and pledged focus on roads, water, housing and poverty root causes. COVID Update: Fiji reported 128 new COVID-19 cases, with 173 recoveries and 12,814 active cases; Health officials also noted two deaths were classified as non-COVID by doctors. Lupus Awareness: Minister Sashi Kiran urged earlier diagnosis and stronger community support for lupus, warning symptoms are often mistaken for stress or common illness and that misconceptions and stigma delay care. Waste & Public Health: A Lautoka composting push aims to cut landfill waste, with officials saying composting could divert over half of waste and reduce public health and environmental risks. Pacific Medical Aid: India’s EAM Jaishankar said Samoa received a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit under FIPIC-III commitments, continuing dialysis support across the Pacific. Road Safety: A one-year-old died after a crash near the Barara Bypass in Lautoka; the child was pronounced dead at Lautoka Hospital while other passengers were treated and discharged.

Road safety: A one-year-old child died after a crash near the Barara Bypass in Lautoka on Saturday night; police say the vehicle veered off the road, and the child’s mother, aunt and two siblings were taken to Lautoka Hospital. Community health support: Vatukarasa Health Centre in Nadroga/Navosa received two air-conditioning units donated by Tambua Sands Beach Resort to improve comfort for staff and patients. Eye care access: The Fiji Eye Project delivered free cataract and laser surgeries for 73 people at Labasa Hospital, including a six-year-old, after a 10-day specialist team visit. Public health & prevention: Fiji marked World No Tobacco Day with warnings that tobacco is driving disease and pushing young people toward harder substances; officials also challenged misconceptions about “suki” being safer. Chronic disease awareness: Women are disproportionately affected by lupus in Fiji, with the Women, Children and Social Protection Minister calling for better early diagnosis, community support and awareness to reduce stigma. Health policy & accountability: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed all Government MPs who took part in voluntary drug testing returned negative results, with the remaining MPs to test this week. Health in travel: Fiji Airways launched “FlyWell,” a wellness programme for passengers and crew starting 1 June, featuring recovery-focused products and experiences in lounges and on select long-haul flights. Waste & health link: A Lautoka composting initiative aims to divert more than half of Fiji’s landfill waste, citing organic waste as about 60% of the country’s waste.

COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 128 new COVID-19 cases, bringing totals to 48,916 cases and 533 deaths since the April outbreak began; Health Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong said there were 173 recoveries and 12,814 active cases, with two deaths later classified as non-COVID. Community Health Support: Vatukarasa Health Centre received two air-conditioning units donated by Tambua Sands Beach Resort, improving comfort for staff and patients at the Nadroga/Navosa facility. Tobacco Warning: Health officials marked World No Tobacco Day in Macuata, warning that misconceptions about “safer” tobacco like suki are driving youth use; they cited nicotine/tar concerns and said 14% of youth aged 13–17 have tried tobacco. First Robotic Knee Replacements: Fiji-born orthopaedic surgeon Dr Murali Reddy performed the first robotic-assisted knee replacements at Crest Hospital in Palmerston North, using Stryker’s Mako Smart Robotics system. Wellness in Travel: Fiji Airways launched FlyWell, a science-backed onboard and lounge wellness programme starting 1 June, offering recovery-focused tools such as wearable tech and red light therapy. Digital Agriculture Push: Government says Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy is nearing completion, with $115m allocated for digital farming, market access and capital—aimed at reducing import dependence.