AGP Executive Report

HIV Response in Focus: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is worsening, with about 90% of new diagnoses in 2025 among iTaukei people and young adults driving a large share of cases, as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and UniFiji roll out youth-led prevention efforts. University Campaigns: UniFiji launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign at Saweni, urging students to “Know Your Status,” test regularly, start early treatment, and reduce stigma. Harm Reduction Debate: Government and UNAIDS are clashing over laws that restrict a Needle and Syringe Programme, with officials saying it’s a public health harm-reduction measure, not drug promotion. Training for Community Care: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort graduated, preparing community champions for education, stigma reduction, and support services. Health System Capacity: A new Fiji National University clinical simulation centre is under construction to help students practise safely before working in hospitals. Mental Health Pressure: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in child suicide and self-harm referrals in 2025, calling for earlier support. Public Health & Safety: Fiji Medical Association treasurer Dr Ahmed Shariff warns that littering harms health and increases risks like mosquito-borne illness.

HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is worsening, with 90% of new diagnoses in 2025 among iTaukei and young people heavily affected; the Ministry of Health says 2016 new diagnoses were recorded in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), while UniFiji launched a HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign urging youth to “Know Your Status” and tackle stigma. Harm Reduction Debate: UNAIDS says Fiji’s laws are restricting harm-reduction, including efforts to roll out a needle and syringe programme; Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa insists an NSP reduces harm and HIV transmission, not drug use, and must be paired with testing, treatment and support. Cancer Care Push: A mother whose son died of cancer says families are being left to struggle for treatment overseas and backs a political commitment to build a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University begins work on a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen practical training before students work in hospitals. Mental Health Urgency: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for attempted suicide and self-harm among children and young people, calling for earlier support. Public Health & Environment: Fiji Medical Association treasurer Dr Ahmed Shariff links littering to disease risk, urging better waste collection to protect community health.

HIV Surge in Fiji: Fiji’s Ministry reports 2016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), with about 90% of new cases among iTaukei, two-thirds among ages 20–34, and a 45% rise among children and teenagers aged 10–19. University Push for Prevention: UniFiji launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign urging students to “Know Your Status,” with regular testing, early treatment, and stigma-free support. PrEP Rolled Out Nationwide: UNAIDS says PrEP is now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, cutting sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly—while stressing it’s prevention, not treatment. Harm-Reduction Law Barriers: UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws restrict needle and syringe programmes, delaying access to sterile injecting equipment despite harm-reduction benefits. Mental Health Pressure on Youth: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for attempted suicide and self-harm in 2025, calling for earlier support and stronger services. Child Cancer Hospital Call: A mother whose son died of cancer says families shouldn’t have to struggle overseas and backs a party promise to build a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University begins work on a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in hospitals. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments seek New Zealand guidance on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand.

HIV Surge in Focus: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is accelerating, with 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), and two-thirds of cases among ages 20–34; the Ministry says around 90% of new diagnoses are among iTaukei people, with infections among women also rising. Youth-Led Prevention Push: UniFiji has launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign at Saweni, urging students to “Know Your Status” and tackle stigma through regular testing and early treatment. PrEP Rolled Out Nationwide: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, with UNAIDS stressing it’s prevention, not a cure, and requires HIV-negative testing and follow-up every three months. Harm-Reduction Debate: Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa says a Needle and Syringe Programme reduces harm and HIV transmission, while UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws restrict distribution of sterile injecting equipment—slowing the response. Mental Health Alarm: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for child attempted suicide and self-harm in 2025, calling for stronger early support. Cancer Care Advocacy: A mother whose son died of cancer says she will back a party promising a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji so families don’t have to seek treatment overseas. Training for Better Care: Fiji National University is building a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in real hospital settings. Community Health Milestone: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS) Level 3 cohort graduates 52 trainees to lead education, stigma reduction and harm-reduction support in communities. Climate & Health Context: Managed retreat is increasingly discussed for places like Fiji’s Vunidogoloa as climate threats intensify, with major implications for health, housing and services.

HIV Prevention in Focus: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, with UNAIDS saying it can cut sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly, and stressing it’s prevention (with regular HIV testing), not a cure. Harm-Reduction Push: UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws are restricting harm-reduction steps like distributing clean needles and syringes, potentially slowing the response to a rapidly growing outbreak. Community Health Training: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort has graduated, training 52 community leaders to drive education, stigma reduction, harm reduction and support services. Youth-Led Messaging: At International Youth Day, Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa said Fiji’s planned needle and syringe programme is about reducing harm and HIV transmission, urging young people to know their HIV status. Mental Health Awareness: Selai Qarau will use the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to advocate for mental health, encouraging safe conversations and support from faith leaders alongside professional care. Health Education Upgrade: Fiji National University has begun building a new $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in real hospitals. Drug Treatment for Children: Government says a dedicated child drug rehabilitation facility in Lautoka will open this month, expanding counselling and long-term support for young people.

HIV Prevention Push: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and select clinics, with UNAIDS stressing it’s prevention (not treatment) and requires HIV-negative testing and follow-up every three months. Community Health Milestone: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort graduated, with 52 graduates trained to lead community education, stigma reduction, harm reduction and support services. Training for Safer Care: Fiji National University began construction of a new $9.8m medical simulation centre to help students practise clinical procedures in a safe setting before working in hospitals. Child Drug Rehab: A dedicated drug rehabilitation facility for children is set to open in Lautoka this month, expanding treatment and long-term support for young people. Local Heart Care Success: A Suva man says he’s recovering well after four-vessel bypass surgery in Nadi, highlighting growing specialist services locally. Detention Rights Watch: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says it will monitor the Lautoka Remand Centre assault case after charges and suspensions followed an alleged assault. Mental Health Awareness: Selai Qarau will use the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to advocate for youth mental health, encouraging safe conversations and support.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, with HIV-negative people able to access the free service through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and select clinics; UNAIDS says PrEP can cut sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly, but users must test every three months and continue condoms and other prevention. Maternal & Child Health Support: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has helped bring specialist care to communities, supporting 819 people so far, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children through antenatal and rheumatic heart disease screening programmes. Cardiac Care Review: A review into Mackay Base Hospital in Australia found staff missed critical signs before a young dad’s death after chest pain, highlighting the need for correct ECG reading and cardiac pain assessment. Local Hospital Success: A 65-year-old Suva man says he’s recovering well after four-vessel bypass surgery in Fiji, choosing local treatment over overseas travel. Drug Rehab for Children: Fiji will open a dedicated child drug rehabilitation facility in Lautoka this month, expanding treatment and long-term support for young people. Energy for Health Services: Solar and battery upgrades at a Beqa nursing station mean vaccines can be stored on-site with power available at night, improving access without mainland travel. Workforce & Retention: Tourism leaders warn Fiji can’t build its tourism future while trained hospitality workers keep leaving overseas for better pay and opportunities. Health System Access via Air Links: The Cure Kids Fiji flights component continues to help doctors and specialists reach remote islands where services are otherwise hard to access.

Healthcare Access by Air: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has supported 41 flight sectors and reached 819 people, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children, with antenatal care and rheumatic heart disease screening. Child Drug Rehab: Lautoka will open a dedicated drug rehabilitation facility for children this month, expanding treatment and long-term support as the government ramps up counselling and recovery services. Vaccines Closer to Home: Solar power and battery storage installed at Beqa’s nursing station will keep vaccines cold on-site, cutting the need for evening mainland travel and improving emergency night coverage. Breastfeeding Push: UNICEF urges Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, linking better support for mothers to lower future non-communicable disease risk and stronger child health. COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 13 COVID-19 deaths, including cases where people were infected before their second jab, with officials stressing vaccines are prevention, not a cure. School Health & Safety: A Lau school renovation is still incomplete with just days left after an abatement notice over unsafe classrooms, ablution facilities and kitchen concerns. Violence in Care Settings: A woman accused of assaulting a university student on a bus has been admitted to St Giles Hospital for assessment before police interviews.

Solar-powered care: The International Solar Alliance installed rooftop solar and battery storage at Beqa’s nursing station so vaccines can be stored on-site and night-time emergencies are covered, improving access for mothers on the island. Child health flights: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say 819 people have benefited from specialist child health programmes, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children screened for rheumatic heart disease, with travel support enabling doctors to reach remote communities. HIV response boost: Fiji has opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Office to coordinate prevention, testing, treatment and data, with Australia announcing FJD23.5m funding under the Vuvale Union Health Partnership. Breastfeeding push: UNICEF urged Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, linking better support for mothers to lower future non-communicable disease risk and stronger child outcomes. COVID-19 update: Fiji reported 13 new COVID deaths; health officials stressed vaccines prevent severe illness but are not a cure if someone is already infected. Family seeking specialist help: A Lau family is asking for prayers and support as conjoined twin daughters await assessment and possible separation surgery in Riyadh. School safety: The Education Minister is awaiting a report after an alleged assault of a 16-year-old student at Gospel High School, while police investigations continue. Healthcare system scrutiny: The High Court in Suva will rule on Oct 1 whether a 2011 health tender case proceeds, with former health minister Neil Sharma arguing the State failed to establish criminal intent.

COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths, including three people who had received their second jab—health officials stressed vaccines prevent severe illness, not instant protection if someone is already infected. Maternal & Child Health: UNICEF urged Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, citing major returns from proven support for mothers and babies and links to lower future NCD risk. Child Health Access: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has supported 819 people (including 716 pregnant mothers) via 41 flight sectors, including antenatal care and rheumatic heart disease screening. HIV Response: Fiji opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Office, with Australia announcing FJD23.5m funding to strengthen prevention, testing, treatment and coordination. Workforce Safety: Fiji’s Health Ministry is considering compensation for six medical professionals rescued after hours at sea in Lau, after calls for stronger support for health workers serving remote communities. Sports Health & Safety: A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player died in Japan after severe heatstroke symptoms following training in extreme heat. Community Wellbeing: A free Alcohol Harm Prevention Workshop, “Rise Together,” is set for Auckland on Sept 13, focusing on early intervention and family-centred prevention.

HIV Response Boost: Fiji has opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Office to coordinate HIV prevention, testing, treatment, data and divisional hubs, with Australia pledging FJD23.5m under the Vuvale Union Health Partnership. Workforce Pressure: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says healthcare workers are being pushed to breaking point, pointing to staffing shortages and unsafe conditions highlighted by the recent Lau sea rescue. Heatstroke Tragedy: Fijian rugby forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died after severe heatstroke symptoms following training in Japan, with temperatures reported around 35°C. Court Watch: The High Court will rule on Oct 1 whether a 2011 health tender case proceeds, as former Health Minister Neil Sharma and others seek a no-case outcome. Health Worker Safety: The Ministry of Health is considering compensation for six medical professionals rescued after hours stranded at sea in Lau. Community Health & Care: Rabuka has revived his 10 Days Wellness Ministry, promoting healthier eating and spiritual growth after years of personal loss. Transport & Access: Interim taxi fare increases will end Sept 30, with fares reverting from Oct 1. Prevention & Policy: Fiji is setting up a professional Counter Narcotics Bureau, framing drug trafficking as a public health and national emergency. Youth Health Concern: New data shows a 45% rise in HIV infections among 10–19-year-olds, with calls for stronger detection and treatment links.

HIV response boost: Fiji has opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Office to coordinate HIV prevention, testing, treatment, data and divisional hubs, with Australia’s Penny Wong announcing FJD23.5m support under the Vuvale Union Health Partnership. Health worker safety: The Ministry is considering compensation for six medical professionals rescued after being stranded at sea in Lau, as the Fiji Medical Association warns the risk is not isolated. HIV crisis pressure: New Ministry data shows a 45% rise in HIV infections among young people aged 10–19, with officials pointing to gaps in detection, treatment and patient follow-up. Pharmacy staffing concerns: Public consultations on the Pharmacy Act review are raising alarms that low pay, poor conditions and shortages may be driving pharmacists away from public facilities. Community health funding: Navua Hospital’s fundraiser has topped $100,000, with plans to upgrade the Emergency Department and a “Dignity Hub” for families. Workplace health & safety: Tavua Town Council says it will increase vigilance after students were seen digging up large stones at Garvey Park, stressing student welfare. Justice and violence: A mother is seeking answers after her 16-year-old daughter was allegedly slapped by a teacher at Gospel High School, while police continue investigations into a fatal Sigatoka assault. Corrections accountability: A Corrections Officer has been charged over an alleged assault at Lautoka Remand Centre, with six other officers suspended pending disciplinary action.

Heatstroke Death: Fijian rugby forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died in Japan after being hospitalised with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke following a training session in Fukuoka, where temperatures reportedly hit about 35C; his club Kyushu KV said players and staff are devastated. HIV Response Funding: Australia says it’s backing Fiji’s HIV response with no quick fix, focusing on prevention, training, community outreach and supplies, including support for upgrades under the Vuvale Partnership. Pharmacy Safety Push: Pharmacists are calling for equal safety standards across Fiji’s public and private pharmacy sectors, including proper pharmacist supervision, stronger enforcement, and possible spot fines/closures for serious breaches. Workforce Pressure: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre warns healthcare workers are being pushed to breaking point amid staffing shortages, tough working conditions and limited resources, urging urgent action beyond public outrage. Community Healthcare Boost: Navua Hospital fundraising has topped $100,000 to upgrade its Emergency Department and other essential services, including a major medical equipment donation. Justice After Alleged Assault: Police investigations continue after a 38-year-old man died following an alleged assault in Sigatoka; father and son suspects remain in custody and a postmortem is planned. Corrections Accountability: A Corrections Officer has been charged over an alleged assault at Lautoka Remand Centre, while six other officers remain suspended pending internal disciplinary proceedings. Pharmacy Shortage Debate: Public consultations on the Pharmacy Act review are hearing that pharmacist shortages may be driven more by low pay and poor conditions than by training numbers. Sea Rescue: RNZAF and Fiji Navy helped rescue six people from a missing boat in the Lau Group; they were taken to Suva for medical assessment. Disability Access: A baseline study says children with disabilities still face barriers to healthcare, education and support due to uneven services, transport costs, and lack of accessible facilities.

Frontline Burnout: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says healthcare workers are being pushed to breaking point as staffing shortages, tough working conditions and limited resources keep driving exhaustion and departures. Corrections Accountability: A Fiji Corrections Service officer has been charged over an alleged assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre; the victim, an Australian citizen in custody, is stable after a medical exam, while six other officers remain suspended pending internal disciplinary action. Justice After Violence: The Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce is calling for full legal action after a 38-year-old man died following an alleged assault in Sigatoka, with a father and son in custody. Pharmacy Safety Push: Public consultations on the Pharmacy Act review are hearing calls for equal safety standards across public and private pharmacies, including pharmacist supervision, stronger enforcement and possible spot fines. HIV Response Funding: Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says there’s no quick fix to Fiji’s HIV challenge, backing prevention, training, community outreach and essential supplies. Heatstroke Tragedy: Fijian rugby forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, has died in Japan after being hospitalised with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke following training. Community Health Boost: Navua Hospital fundraising has surpassed $100,000, with plans to upgrade the Emergency Department and a major medical equipment donation. Disability Barriers: A new study says children with disabilities still face gaps in healthcare, education and essential services, with transport and accessibility issues leaving many families unable to get timely support. Sea Rescue: Six people missing in rough Lau waters were found and taken to Suva for medical assessment after an RNZAF search.

COVID Border Update: Fiji’s Health Ministry says COVID-positive travellers who arrived from African states before Omicron were placed in quarantine, with specimens to be sent overseas for genetic sequencing and a renewed push for masks, ventilation, distancing and vaccination. Workforce & Patient Safety: Pharmacists and students are challenging claims of a “pharmacist shortage”, saying retention problems stem from low pay and poor conditions, and calling for minimum pay, capped hours and stronger enforcement to protect patients. Heat & Health Risks: Tributes are flowing after Fijian rugby forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died in Japan after training-related symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. Sea Rescue: RNZAF Poseidon crews helped find and rescue six people from a missing boat in Fiji waters; they were taken to Suva for medical assessment. Local Care Boost: Navua Hospital fundraiser tops $100,000, with a major equipment donation to upgrade emergency and other essential services. Disability Access: A new study says children with disabilities still face barriers to healthcare, education and support due to transport costs, uneven services and inaccessible buildings. Pharmacy Regulation: Consultations on the Pharmacy Act review call for the same safety standards across public and private pharmacies, including proper pharmacist supervision and penalties for serious breaches.

Heat Safety Tragedy: Fijian rugby forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died in Japan after being hospitalised with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke following training in Fukuoka, where temperatures hit about 35°C. HIV Response Funding & Focus: Australia says Fiji’s HIV fight needs a whole-of-community effort, backing prevention, training, outreach and supplies, including support for upgrades at CWM Hospital under the Vuvale Partnership. Local Hospital Boost: Navua Hospital fundraiser tops $100,000, with plans to upgrade the Emergency Department and other facilities, plus a major equipment donation from New Zealand’s Fiji Packers of Gold Club. Disability Access Gaps: A new study says children with disabilities face ongoing barriers to healthcare, education and essential services, especially in rural and maritime areas, with issues like inaccessible buildings, transport refusals and delays in support. Pharmacy Standards Call: Pharmacists are pushing for equal safety rules across Fiji’s public and private pharmacy sectors, including proper pharmacist supervision and stronger enforcement. Maritime Rescue: RNZAF Poseidon crew helped rescue six people overdue in rough seas near Fiji, with the group taken to Suva for medical assessment. Community Support: Vodafone Friendly North festival proceeds are set to fund health projects including a Northern Dialysis Centre and prosthetic limb services.