AGP Executive Report

Border Health & Security: Vanuatu is convening its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, aiming to coordinate a national response as illicit drugs and HIV risks rise across the Pacific. Local Health Access: Levuka residents are pushing the Coalition Government to fix long-standing infrastructure and health gaps, including ambulance and pharmacy shortages and delays for scans that force expectant mothers to travel to Suva or Nausori. Nurse Retention Pressure: Fiji is losing more nurses than it trains, with former Fiji Medical Association president Dr Alipate Vakamocea warning migration to Australia and New Zealand is outpacing new graduates, while the Health Ministry says it’s adjusting staffing by moving interns into medical officer roles. Healthcare & Community Funding: Fiji’s Suva Marathon 2026 launches with a focus on healthier lifestyles and community participation, with registrations now open for the 8 August event. Budget Strain on Services: Fiji’s 2026–2027 budget debate continues as officials defend a projected $1b deficit and warn operating costs and debt repayments are squeezing money for essential services like health. Emergency Care Story: A Massachusetts man is critically ill in Fiji after a suspected bug bite led to septic shock and organ failure, while his family seeks urgent medical evacuation support. Maritime Health Link: Fiji and the US Coast Guard ran a six-day “Ship Rider” patrol, boarding 32 vessels and recovering suspected narcotics—an action tied to protecting public health and safety.

Critical Illness in Fiji: A Massachusetts man, Scott “Scooter” Winslow, is in ICU at Lautoka Hospital after a suspected insect bite reportedly led to septic shock, with infection spreading to his gallbladder and lungs and kidney failure concerns; his family is raising funds to fly him home for more intensive care. Nurse Shortage Worsens: Fiji is losing more nurses than it trains, with former Fiji Medical Association president Dr Alipate Vakamocea warning migration to Australia and New Zealand is outpacing new graduates, while the Health Ministry says it’s adjusting staffing by moving interns into medical officer roles. Drug Crisis Pressure: A Conversation piece says rising drug demand in Australia and New Zealand is driving calls in Fiji for harsher penalties, including renewed debate over the death penalty, while noting Fiji abolished it in 2015. Water for Health Facilities: Water Authority of Fiji repairs to a burst trunk main at Tamavua-i-Wai are delayed again due to unstable ground, with water carting prioritising schools, health facilities and essential services along the Lami corridor. Health System Expansion: Fiji is moving ahead with major health upgrades, including plans for a first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM, as part of broader hospital transformation efforts.

Nurse Shortage Watch: Fiji is losing experienced nurses faster than it can train new ones, with calls for stronger retention measures to protect frontline care. Drug Crisis & Policy Debate: A Conversation piece says rising hard-drug demand in Fiji is driven by Australia and New Zealand, arguing that death-penalty calls won’t fix the root causes. Maritime Health & Safety: Fiji and the US boarded 32 vessels and recovered suspected narcotics in a six-day “Ship Rider” patrol, including Lau Group drug finds. Critical Care Emergency: A Massachusetts father is critically ill in Fiji after a bug bite led to septic shock and organ failure; his family is trying to raise funds for a costly medical evacuation. Water Disruption: Repairs to a burst Tamavua-i-Wai trunk main are delayed again due to difficult ground conditions, with water carting prioritising schools, health facilities and essential services. Healthcare Access Under Pressure: Fuel and food shortages hit Taveuni as shipping services are disrupted, raising concerns for timely delivery of essentials including medicines. Health System Planning: The Health Ministry says it’s managing staffing gaps by allowing medical interns to transition into medical officer roles to make space for new intakes. Community Wellness: The Rexona Suva Marathon 2026 was launched for August 8, with categories from age 14+ and a focus on active, inclusive lifestyles.

Drug crisis & harm reduction: A new analysis says Fiji is now seeing growing local demand for hard drugs, driven by rising cocaine and methamphetamine use in Australia and New Zealand—fueling calls to bring back the death penalty, though critics argue that won’t fix the root causes. Emergency medical access: A family trying to fly a critically ill Holbrook man home from Fiji says he needs urgent medevac care, with costs potentially reaching $250,000. Budget & healthcare staffing: The Fiji Medical Association welcomes higher health funding in the 2026–2027 budget but warns of ongoing gaps in senior roles, preventive care and specialist services, plus shortages in medicines and support for workers. Women’s health research: Pacific health leaders gathered for the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Health Research Symposium, highlighting better models for women’s cancer care, including cervical cancer, across Pacific realities. Public health & youth: A Labasa student-led carnival initiative is pushing HIV and teenage pregnancy awareness, while Fiji’s HIV Surge Strategy continues expanding testing, treatment and prevention. Water security: A global map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for millions, underscoring the need for clean-water infrastructure in vulnerable communities.

Budget & Health Funding: Fiji’s Medical Association welcomed the higher Ministry of Health and Medical Services allocation in the 2026–2027 budget, but warned of ongoing gaps in senior public health, preventive care and specialist hospital staffing, plus cuts affecting mental health and family health. Water & Health Resilience: Government announced a $291m push for water and wastewater upgrades for 520,000 people, including major treatment plant expansions and a non-revenue water plan to cut leakage. Emergency Preparedness: Fiji Airports ran a full-scale night-time aircraft crash drill at Nausori, bringing together police, fire, St John, the Ministry of Health and other partners to test coordination and casualty response. Sexual & Reproductive Health: A Labasa student used a crime prevention carnival platform to raise awareness on HIV and teenage pregnancy, pointing to the need for better education and support for young girls. Drug Overdose Legal Protections: In New Zealand, police minister Mark Mitchell said people should “stay away” from drugs as calls grow for “Good Samaritan” protections for overdose witnesses and callers. HIV in Corrections: Fiji’s Acting Commissioner met UNODC prison and HIV teams on support for penal and prisons reform and HIV strategies in prison settings. Tourism & Wellness: Accor expands in Fiji with three new hotel openings, including wellness-focused facilities, as the tourism sector continues to grow.

Budget & Health Workforce: Fiji’s Medical Association welcomed higher Ministry of Health funding in the 2026–2027 National Budget, but warned of ongoing gaps in senior public health, preventive care and specialist hospital roles, plus cuts affecting family health, research and mental health. Staff Pay Support: The Budget also includes funding to clear long-standing overtime payment delays for doctors and nurses, alongside promises to improve working conditions like reliable utilities and rural connectivity. Healthcare Infrastructure Push: Fiji is rolling out major health upgrades, including a $500 million hospital transformation and plans to build the country’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM. Water & Public Health: A $291m investment targets water and wastewater upgrades, including Kinoya and Viria expansions and a non-revenue water plan to cut leakage—aimed at improving reliability and protecting coastal health. Dengue Prevention: A regional focus on Wolbachia highlights how dengue control needs clear roles, steady mosquito monitoring, and community involvement across borders. Community Health Research: Pacific health leaders gathered at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa symposium to push Pacific-led models for women’s cancer care, mental health and climate-smart healthcare. Emergency Readiness: Fiji Airports tested night-time aircraft crash response at Nausori, involving the Ministry of Health, St John, police and regional partners to strengthen multi-agency coordination.

Health Budget Watch: Fiji’s doctors’ group welcomed the higher health allocation in the 2026–2027 National Budget but warned of funding cuts for family health, research and mental health, plus shortages in senior public health and specialist roles. Hospital Transformation: The Budget also backs a major $500m health sector transformation, including Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital, more acute beds, and upgrades to 17 primary healthcare facilities. Staff Pay Pressure: Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says new Budget funding will improve overtime payment support for doctors and nurses, aiming to reduce delays and help retain staff. Water & Health Link: A $291m water and wastewater push targets major treatment plant upgrades and cuts water losses, with wastewater upgrades to protect coastal ecosystems. Community Health Research: Pacific health leaders gathered at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Health Research Symposium 2026, highlighting Pacific-led models for women’s cancer care and broader health outcomes. Dengue Prevention: A regional focus on Wolbachia is framed as a shared public good for dengue control across Asia and the Pacific. Public Questions: The Fijian Media Association will hold town halls in Levuka and Korovou, with residents expected to raise concerns including healthcare services and water reliability.

Health Budget Boost: Fiji has earmarked $647m for health, including a $500m hospital transformation that will build the country’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital, with linear accelerator and chemotherapy capacity for up to 60 patients daily, plus upgrades to acute care and primary health facilities. Water Security: A $291m allocation will upgrade water and wastewater systems for 520,000 Fijians, tackling ageing infrastructure and high leakage with new treatment capacity, water schemes, and a push to cut non-revenue water losses to 20%. Health Worker Pay: The 2026–2027 budget also includes funding to help clear overtime payment delays for doctors and nurses, alongside improvements to rural working conditions like electricity, water, and connectivity. Dengue Prevention Focus: A regional push highlights Wolbachia as a scalable dengue control tool, stressing clear roles and steady mosquito monitoring. Care Story: A Samoan father received successful triple-vessel heart surgery in Fiji, discharged within days and returning home recovering well. Public Safety Drill: Fiji Airports tested night-time aircraft emergency response at Nausori, involving police, fire, St John, the Ministry of Health and regional partners.

Health Budget Boost: Fiji has allocated $647m to the health sector in the 2026–2027 National Budget, including a $500m hospital transformation that will build Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily), plus upgrades to acute care and 17 primary facilities. Health Workforce Support: The Budget also funds improved overtime payments for doctors and nurses, aiming to reduce long-standing delays and help retain staff, especially in rural and maritime areas. Social Protection Pressure: Despite a $211m welfare package supporting 130,000+ vulnerable Fijians, recipients say rising living costs mean assistance still needs to go further, including help for medical surgeries and steps toward financial independence. Water & Health Link: A $291m investment in water and wastewater systems will benefit 520,000+ people, targeting major upgrades and cutting water losses to improve reliability. Dengue Prevention Focus: A regional push highlights Wolbachia as a scalable dengue control tool, stressing clear roles, monitoring, and community involvement for success.

Health Budget Boost: Fiji’s 2026-2027 National Budget sets aside $647m for the health sector, including a $500m hospital transformation to build Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily), plus 56 extra beds at CWM and upgrades to 17 primary facilities. Workforce Support: The Budget also funds overtime payment relief for doctors and nurses, aiming to clear long-standing delays and help retain staff, alongside better accommodation and basic services in remote areas. Public Health in the Air: Fiji Airports tested night-time emergency readiness with a full-scale aircraft crash drill at Nausori, involving police, fire, St John, the Ministry of Health, military and airlines to strengthen coordination and casualty response. Dengue Strategy (Regional): A new push highlights Wolbachia as a scalable dengue prevention tool, stressing clear roles for governments and partners and steady mosquito monitoring. Care Success Story: A Samoan father received successful triple-vessel heart surgery in Fiji at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, with rapid ICU recovery and discharge within days. Budget Context: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the plan keeps VAT on essentials and maintains key social supports, while prioritising major infrastructure and health upgrades.

Heart Care in Fiji: A 64-year-old Samoan father, Aki Ah Dar, received successful off-pump triple-vessel coronary bypass surgery at Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi, was moved out of ICU within a day and discharged five days later, then returned to Samoa recovering well. Budget Boost for Health Workers: Fiji’s 2026–2027 National Budget includes funding to ease long-standing overtime payment delays for doctors and nurses, alongside wider support like better accommodation, reliable utilities and connectivity for rural postings. Big Health System Upgrade: Fiji allocated $647m to health, including a $500m hospital transformation to build Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily), add 56 beds, upgrade 17 primary facilities, and progress a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Nausori. Dengue Prevention Focus: A regional push highlights Wolbachia as a scalable dengue prevention tool, stressing clear roles, mosquito release choices, baseline monitoring and community involvement. Water Security Investment: A $291m water and wastewater package aims to benefit over 520,000 people, cut major leakage, and expand treatment capacity. Cost-of-Living Relief: The budget keeps VAT at 12.5% with zero VAT on 22 essentials and maintains key social supports like free medicines and subsidized dialysis.

Health Budget Boost: Fiji has allocated $647m to the health sector in the 2026–2027 National Budget, including a $500m hospital transformation to build Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily), plus 56 new beds and upgrades to 17 primary healthcare facilities nationwide. Cost-of-Living Relief: The same budget keeps VAT at 12.5% and zero VAT on 22 essential items (including prescribed medicines), with no salary cuts for civil servants and targeted help to cushion rising fuel, transport and electricity costs. Water Security for Health: A $291m water and wastewater package aims to cut leakage (nearly 50% loss today) and improve reliability, with major upgrades including doubling Kinoya wastewater capacity. Diabetes Supply Worry: Diabetes Fiji says diabetic consumables like testing strips are in short supply across clinics, urging the new budget to strengthen primary care supplies. Blood Access: Fiji is launching a national donor blood app with the Red Cross and Ministry of Health to support daily transfusion needs. Drug Crisis Pressure: A senior high chief warns the government’s “time is nearly up” over Fiji’s drug crisis as more “white substance” parcels wash up.

Cancer care upgrade: Fiji will build its first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital under the $500m PHIT project, with linear accelerator and chemotherapy capacity to treat up to 60 patients a day—aimed at cutting overseas referrals. Budget health boost: The 2026–2027 National Budget sets aside $647m for health, including $477m for the Ministry of Health for staffing, medicines, supplies and biomedical equipment, plus plans to add 56 beds at CWM. Diabetes supply pressure: Diabetes Fiji says diabetic consumables like testing strips are running short at clinics nationwide, and is urging the Budget to strengthen primary care and ensure consistent supplies. NCD focus: Diabetes Fiji welcomed the Ministry’s 2026–2031 strategic plan but warns success needs whole-of-government and community partnerships to tackle rising diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Drug crisis warning: A Fiji chief says the “window to act” on the drug crisis is closing as more “white substance” parcels wash up, while calls grow for urgent action by the National Security Council. Workforce recruitment: The Ministry of Health will recruit new doctors after an exemption to the civil service hiring freeze, targeting medical interns who completed training and registration. Child wellbeing push: UNICEF is urging Budget investment in maternal and child health, education and child protection, arguing early childhood support boosts long-term productivity. Taxi fares: From July 1, taxi drop charges rise due to fuel costs, with the FCCC stressing taxis are vital for access to work, education and healthcare.

Healthcare Overhaul: Fiji’s Ministry of Health has launched its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, aiming to shift from reactive hospital care to proactive prevention, strengthen primary healthcare, and improve governance and health system stewardship. Budget Pressure on NCDs: Diabetes Fiji welcomed the plan but says success needs stronger partnerships and community-level action to tackle rising diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, including expanded screening and early intervention. Diabetes Supply Worries: Diabetes Fiji is also calling on the 2026–2027 National Budget to address shortages of diabetic consumables like testing strips, warning that gaps can undermine monitoring and increase complications. Early Childhood Investment: UNICEF urged higher Budget investment in early childhood development, maternal and child health, education, and child protection—arguing it boosts long-term workforce productivity and economic growth. Workforce Fix: The Health Ministry will recruit newly qualified medical interns as Medical Officers after a government exemption from a civil service hiring freeze, with recruitment expected to be completed by August. Remote Care Boost: The refitted YWAM Koha medical vessel has departed Tauranga for Fiji, targeting more than 4,000 people through nine weeks of structured health outreaches across Fiji’s divisions. Domestic Violence in Leadership: Women in leadership experiencing domestic violence are often staying silent due to stigma and fear of reputational harm, with FWCC data citing domestic violence as a large share of its annual caseload.

Workforce Boost: Fiji’s Health Ministry will recruit newly qualified medical interns as Medical Officers after a government exemption from the civil service hiring freeze, with the process expected to be completed by August. Hospital Upgrades: The Ministry says upgrading major hospitals is its top budget priority for the 2026–2027 National Budget, alongside staff welfare, more critical workforce positions, and reliable supplies of essential medicines and equipment. New Health Plan: Diabetes Fiji welcomes the Ministry’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, calling for stronger prevention, early detection, community empowerment, and better primary healthcare—backed by whole-of-government and whole-of-society partnerships. Drug Crisis Debate: A renewed push is making headlines around Fiji’s illicit narcotics emergency and calls for harsher penalties, as concerns grow about rising demand and meth and cocaine trafficking linked to Australia and New Zealand. Youth Recovery: A new 12-week residential recovery programme for adolescent boys affected by alcohol and drug abuse has launched in Lautoka, offering counselling, mental health support, relapse prevention, and reintegration pathways. Substance Harm in Sport: Fiji Football says a meth positive test during the BiC Fiji FACT has triggered stronger zero-tolerance measures, with suspensions for repeat offenders and support for an 18-year-old player flagged for counselling. Community Health & Safety: Diabetes Fiji and the Health Ministry both stress prevention and access, while Fiji’s broader health system overhaul shifts from hospital-only care to stronger primary healthcare and integrated delivery.

Healthcare Strategy Overhaul: Fiji’s Ministry of Health has launched a new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan to shift from reactive care to proactive prevention, strengthen primary healthcare, and better integrate public health, clinical and hospital services as NCDs, communicable diseases and climate risks grow. People-Centred Budget Push: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is urging a more people-centred national budget, saying spending priorities aren’t matching the hardship faced by women, low-income families and rural communities, and calling for stronger funding for healthcare and gender-based violence services. Substance Abuse Recovery for Youth: A new 12-week residential recovery programme for adolescent boys affected by alcohol and drug abuse has opened in Lautoka, offering stabilisation, therapeutic support and reintegration with mental health services and relapse prevention. Drug Testing Alarm in Football: Fiji FACT drug tests in Labasa found methamphetamine and other prohibited substances among players, prompting Fiji Football to reinforce zero tolerance and extend suspensions for repeat offenders. Early Detection Focus: Fiji health leaders are calling for stronger investment in medical laboratory services to improve timely diagnostics and surveillance, warning that diseases and outbreaks can quickly affect travel and trade. Regional Health Capacity: Pacific partners are also training journalists in disaster reporting (Palau), highlighting how better communication supports community health response during emergencies. Addiction and Discipline Debate: Submissions to Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission have reignited debate over corporal punishment, with child welfare groups opposing reinstatement while some communities argue it supports discipline.