AGP Executive Report

HIV crisis and child health: Fiji’s HIV emergency is worsening, with a report from CWM Hospital describing babies in PICU and NICU and noting a “generalised epidemic” where mothers and infants are being affected even without “risky behaviours.” HIV prevention rollout: Parliament has passed amendments to the HIV/AIDS Act setting up a needle and syringe programme, to be delivered through clinics, NGOs and some private pharmacies, alongside harm-reduction services like condoms, PrEP/PEP and counselling. Surgical complaints transparency: Fiji’s national feedback line recorded 1,218 complaints from Jan 2023 to July this year, with only three linked to surgical errors/complications, while the Solicitor-General’s Office received 26 legal cases including five surgical-related matters. El Niño preparedness: The National Disaster Risk Management Council met in Suva to strengthen coordination on water, agriculture, health and vulnerable communities, using the latest climate outlook and the National El Niño Preparedness and Response Plan. Ageing policy: Government is progressing a National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 after consultations with 2,568 people, aiming for dignity, protection from abuse and age-friendly support systems. Prosthetics access: A new Jaipur prosthetics camp will run 6 Oct–27 Nov, targeting 650 amputees across Central, North and West, with trials of 3D-printed sockets. Childhood cancer awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji turned gold for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, as doctors warn many children present late; about 20–30 cases are diagnosed each year. Election rules: The Fiji Electoral Commission adopted Campaign Limitations Rules 2026, including a ban on using state resources and government premises for campaigning.

Childhood Cancer Awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji Resource Centre in Rewa Street was lit gold for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, as families share the realities of late diagnosis and long treatment journeys. Early Detection Push: Health authorities say 20 to 30 children are diagnosed with cancer in Fiji each year, with many arriving at advanced stages—urging parents to watch for warning signs like unexplained bruising, persistent fevers and vision changes. HIV Emergency in Focus: A new report from Colonial War Memorial Hospital highlights babies and families facing Fiji’s worsening HIV crisis, including cases without “risky behaviours,” while the government fast-tracks an HIV-AIDS Amendment Bill to enable a needles and syringes harm-reduction programme. HIV Harm Reduction: The Bill would legally define and empower the Ministry to start harm-reduction measures, with supplies and service arrangements already prepared. Health System Staffing: Fiji’s Ministry says 69 senior medical positions are vacant across public hospitals, with 56 covered by acting staff, and discussions underway about recruiting from the Philippines. Water and Power Risk: With El Niño drying conditions, Monasavu Dam water levels remain above safe limits but could trigger electricity rationing, with hospitals prioritised. Climate-Health Link: WHO’s Pacific director calls for climate change to be treated as a health emergency, pushing climate and health financing to move together. Pre-COP Voices: iTaukei resource owners are encouraged to take community concerns and traditional knowledge to the Pacific Pre-COP in Nadi ahead of COP31.

HIV Response: Fiji is fast-tracking changes to its HIV law so the Health Ministry can legally start a harm-reduction programme, including sterile needles and syringes, with the HIV/AIDS Amendment Bill 2026 set for debate and a vote this Thursday. HIV Crisis on the Ground: A report highlights how “bluetoothing” (injecting drug use with shared blood) is being linked by health workers to HIV and hepatitis spread, as Fiji’s HIV emergency deepens. Staffing Pressure: The Health Ministry says 69 senior medical positions are vacant across public hospitals and health facilities, with 56 covered by acting appointments, and it is exploring recruiting from the Philippines. Water & Power Risks: Monasavu Dam remains above safe levels, but El Niño-linked dry conditions could trigger electricity rationing, prioritising hospitals and essential services. Safe Water Access: More than 8,600 rural households rely on high-risk water sources, prompting expanded purification and sanitation support. Deaf Access: Deaf community leaders are calling for wider use and recognition of Fiji Sign Language so people can access health services with interpreters. Climate as Health: WHO’s Pacific director says climate change must be treated as a health emergency, urging aligned climate and health financing. Community Support: WOWS Kids morning tea fundraising has raised over $3,751 so far to support children with cancer. Food Safety: Fiji has tightened border controls on imported kava, with shipments subject to testing and possible seizure or destruction if they fail safety requirements. Police Wellbeing: Fiji Police Commissioner warns that stigma is stopping officers from seeking medical and psychological help after 38 police deaths in the past year.

HIV response: Fiji is fast-tracking the HIV-AIDS Amendment Bill 2026 to allow a harm-reduction programme, including sterile needles and syringes, after officials say the current law blocks rollout. HIV crisis on the ground: A new report highlights “bluetoothing” (injecting one person’s drug use and then using their blood to inject others) as a major risk route for HIV and hepatitis, with Fiji’s HIV numbers rising sharply. World Heart Day: Fiji marks World Heart Day with warnings that rheumatic heart disease affects nearly one child in every classroom (ages 5–15), alongside screening and awareness activities. Child heart care support: An Auckland-led “One Hundred Hearts” appeal is raising funds for Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Suva, which provides free cardiac treatment for children and adults. Water and health risk: Monasavu Dam remains above safe levels, but El Niño dry conditions raise the risk of electricity rationing, with hospitals prioritised if needed. High-risk water: Government says 8,611 rural households rely on high-risk water sources, and it is expanding purification and sanitation support. Access for Deaf people: Deaf advocates call for better use and recognition of Fiji Sign Language, especially in hospitals and other essential services. Kava safety controls: New border rules require permits and testing for all imported kava to prevent contaminated or poor-quality products entering Fiji’s market. Health workforce staffing: Parliament hears 69 senior medical positions are vacant across Fiji’s public hospitals, with discussions underway about recruiting from the Philippines.

HIV emergency response: Fiji’s HIV/AIDS Amendment Bill 2026 is set for debate and a vote this Thursday, aiming to legally enable harm reduction measures like sterile needles and syringes as officials warn injecting drug use is fuelling a generalised epidemic. HIV crisis on the ground: A Guardian report describes mobile clinic testing in Suva finding 1 in 6 people positive, with children “suffering” as Fiji scales up urgent measures after a sharp rise in new diagnoses. Water and health risk: Government says 8,611 rural households still rely on high-risk water sources, with diarrhoea flagged as a key concern while purification and sanitation support expands. Access for Deaf people: Deaf community leaders are calling for better Fiji Sign Language access beyond courts, especially in hospitals and essential services. Heart health push: World Heart Day coverage highlights rheumatic heart disease in children, plus a Cure Kids Race to Survive Fiji fundraising push for screening and treatment. Drug safety at the border: New stricter kava import controls require permits, traceability and chemotype/microbiological testing, with non-compliant shipments detained or destroyed. Health service capacity: The Health Ministry says low numbers of medical imaging technologists are affecting x-ray services, particularly at CWM Hospital. Police wellbeing: Fiji Police Commissioner warns stigma is delaying medical and psychological help after 38 officer deaths in the past year.

Mental health & privacy: FIPRA and the Psychiatric Survivors Association Fiji are urging the public to stop sharing a video circulating from the 24 Sept FIPRA Music Awards, saying a vulnerable moment should not be treated as entertainment and calling for removal to protect dignity. Food safety: Fiji’s Ministry of Health has introduced stricter controls for all imported kava, requiring permits, full traceability documents and chemotype plus microbiological testing, with shipments that fail checks liable to be detained. Police wellbeing: Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says officers’ physical and mental health must be prioritised after 38 deaths were recorded over the past year, with some delaying help. HIV response: Samoa is stepping up HIV preparedness after Fiji declared a national emergency over rising infections, increasing surveillance and readiness for testing, prevention and treatment. Heart health push: Fiji Cancer Society has registered 217 breast cancer cases ahead of its Cure Kids Race to Survive and is again stressing early detection. Health system capacity: The Health Ministry says low numbers of medical imaging technologists are affecting x-ray services, including at CWM Hospital. Child protection: Cabinet endorsed a National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Children 2026–2031, covering abuse, neglect, online exploitation, bullying and child marriage. Cancer awareness: World Heart Day activities in Lautoka highlighted rheumatic heart disease in children, with screening and awareness sessions led by the RHD programme. National tertiary hospital planning: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment pathway for CWM Hospital after the Valelevu tertiary hospital plan was costed at about $5.35b.

Hospital Access & Staffing: Fiji’s Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says low numbers of medical imaging technologists are affecting x-ray services at CWM Hospital, with overtime and staffing shortages behind reports patients were turned away. Cancer Awareness: Fiji Cancer Society has registered 217 breast cancer cases from January to the lead-up to its annual five-kilometre walk, renewing the call for early detection. HIV Response Mobilised: Faith leaders are being urged to use the pulpit to push HIV prevention, testing and treatment as Fiji’s HIV emergency intensifies. Asbestos Safety Push: Cabinet endorsed a new partnership to strengthen asbestos safeguards, including training, consultations, and a National Asbestos Profile with a pilot using handheld detection devices. National Tertiary Hospital Plan Shift: Government will pursue a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital instead of moving straight to the $5.35b Valelevu plan, to upgrade key services while health operations continue. El Niño Health Prep: Disaster officials urge early action on water saving, fire prevention, crop protection and health care as El Niño conditions build. Child Protection Plan: Cabinet backed a National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Children 2026–2031, covering abuse, neglect, online exploitation and child marriage. Joint Care for All Ages: Orthopaedic specialists say hip and knee replacements are increasingly needed for younger Fijians due to obesity, injuries and road accidents.

HIV Response: Faith leaders are being urged to use the pulpit to push HIV prevention, testing and treatment, with pastors calling for “faith with action” as Fiji’s HIV emergency deepens. Cancer Awareness: Fiji Cancer Society reports 217 breast cancer cases registered from January to the lead-up to its 5km walk, renewing the call for early detection. Hospital Planning: Cabinet backs a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital after the Valelevu national tertiary hospital estimate of $5.35b, aiming to upgrade services while spreading costs. Child Protection: A new National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Children 2026–2031 targets abuse, neglect, online exploitation, bullying, child labour and child marriage, with medical and psychosocial support plus child-friendly reporting. El Niño Health Prep: Disaster officials urge water conservation, fire prevention and extra health care for vulnerable groups as El Niño conditions build. HIV & Meth Link: Fiji’s HIV surge is tied to rising crystal meth use, with officials citing needle-sharing risks. Asbestos Safeguards: Fiji will develop a National Asbestos Profile and strengthen hazardous substances rules, including training and asbestos detection pilots. Local Care Stories: Pacific Specialist Healthcare highlights faster emergency detection in outpatient settings, and notes joint replacement needs are rising among younger Fijians. Women’s Support: A new SPBD Korovou branch expands microfinance and business support for women, including links to healthcare access.

Heart Health Shock: A Sydney father, 32-year-old Jale Sito, was rushed to hospital after what his family thought was “another daycare virus,” only to be diagnosed within hours with advanced heart failure (heart functioning at 15%), leaving him unable to work or exercise. Clinical Vigilance in Care: Pacific Specialist Healthcare highlights how trained “clinical eyes” in its OPD helped spot a serious blood clot and get a stent placed within about an hour. Orthopaedics for All Ages: Joint replacement is increasingly needed for younger Fijians too, driven by obesity, sports injuries, road crashes and prior joint damage, with osteoarthritis linked to cartilage loss. HIV Emergency & Meth Link: Fiji’s HIV surge is tied to rising crystal meth use and injecting drug transmission, prompting a national emergency and renewed calls for treatment, diagnostics and regional support. Hospital Planning Update: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital after the Valelevu national tertiary hospital plan was costed at about $5.35b, with the first stage requiring about $1.4b. Asbestos Safeguards: Fiji will develop a National Asbestos Profile and strengthen hazardous substances regulations, supported by an AUD$35,000 APHEDA grant. El Niño Health Prep: Disaster officials urge early action on water saving, fire prevention, crop/livestock protection and health care as dry conditions loom. Water & Sanitation Worries: Residents report a strong sewage stench in Nasinu’s Tomanu Road area after a burst sewer line entered a roadside drain, with WAF to re-check the site. Women’s Support Boost: South Pacific Business Development Microfinance opens a new Korovou branch to improve access to finance, skills and mentoring for women.

HIV & meth crisis: Fiji’s HIV emergency is being driven by crystal meth use, with the government citing a 12-fold rise in cases since 2010 and estimates of about 1 in 60 adults living with HIV, as UN calls stress treatment, diagnostics and shared action against drug trafficking. Hospital redevelopment: Cabinet has endorsed a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial Hospital, shifting from a $5.35B Valelevu plan to upgrading CWM in phases to keep services running and expand oncology and radiotherapy. El Niño health risks: Disaster officials urge early preparation for El Niño—conserving water, preventing fires, protecting crops and livestock, and watching vulnerable groups for heat and health impacts. Unsafe sanitation: Residents in Nasinu report a strong sewage stench on Tomanu Road after a burst sewer line entered a roadside drain; the council says WAF will revisit. Joint replacement for younger people: Orthopaedic specialist Dr Vaigalo Eddie McCaig says hips and knees replacements are increasingly needed in younger Fijians due to obesity, injuries and road crashes. Food safety warning: Consumers are urged to be vigilant after maggots were found in BBQ bought from a Valelevu roadside stall, with advice to stop eating and report for refunds. Water access for schools: An $11,000 borehole project is protecting 200 students and teachers at Saint Francis College by securing clean, reliable water during drought conditions. Maritime safety: IMO highlights that Fiji’s shipping policies must translate into safer, well-maintained voyages for outer-island access to schools, hospitals and markets. Women’s support: A new SPBD Korovou branch aims to improve access to finance, training and mentoring for women—linking business support to better community health and wellbeing.

HIV & Meth Crisis: Fiji’s HIV emergency is being driven by crystal meth use, with the government saying 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV and linking transmission to injecting drug use; President Ratu Naiqama told the UN the crisis is also a crime and trafficking problem that Fiji can’t stop alone. Health Infrastructure: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital after a Valelevu tertiary hospital plan was costed at about $5.35B, aiming to upgrade critical services while keeping care running. Water & Health: An $11,000 borehole project is protecting 200 students and teachers at Saint Francis College in Ra from El Niño impacts, while Fiji also faces ongoing concerns over unsafe water and food safety. Food Safety Alert: Consumers are urged to stop eating and report immediately after maggots were found in BBQ bought from a Valelevu roadside stall. Counter-Terror Strategy: Fiji launched its Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on targeting criminal and financial networks and online radicalisation while stressing rule of law and human rights. Local Care Needs: Joint replacement surgery is increasingly needed for younger Fijians due to obesity, sports injuries and road crashes, according to an orthopaedic specialist. Climate Implementation: Fiji was selected for a global BRIDGE pilot to turn climate pledges into funded renewable energy projects, including grid connections for rural communities like Kadavu.

HIV Emergency Response: Fiji’s President told the UN that methamphetamine trafficking is driving the HIV crisis through injecting drug use, calling for shared regional action, affordable treatment and diagnostics, and full Global Fund/UNAIDS funding. Maternal Health in Focus: A Samoan report highlights how consistent antiretroviral treatment can protect babies from HIV transmission during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. MOH Preparedness: Samoa’s Ministry of Health is strengthening HIV preparedness after Fiji declared a national emergency, including surveillance, lab readiness, prevention, treatment pathways and community risk communication. Water Safety & Access: Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu urged hospitals and health centres to use available alternatives when sterile water is short, warning against patients being forced to buy essential supplies. El Niño Relief: Emergency water was delivered to Vatulele, supporting 222 families and the Vatulele Health Centre and District School. Clinical Care & Orthopaedics: Joint replacement surgery may increasingly be needed for younger Fijians due to obesity, sports injuries and road crashes, with Dr McCaig noting severe joint damage can start early. Food Safety Alert: Consumers are urged to stop eating and report roadside BBQ after maggots were found in food bought in Valelevu, Nasinu. Public Health Supply: An $11,000 borehole water project is protecting 200 students and teachers at Saint Francis College in Navunibitu during El Niño dry conditions. Health System Capacity: Police sent samples from a nurse, Rajnish Lal, to New Zealand for testing as they investigate his death at Nausori Health Centre.

HIV Emergency Response: Fiji’s Ministry of Health is strengthening national HIV preparedness and response after the country declared a national emergency, with plans covering enhanced surveillance, lab readiness, prevention, treatment and care pathways, community engagement, risk communication and partner coordination. Maternal Health in Crisis: A new report highlights how antiretroviral treatment can protect babies—one woman diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy later gave birth to a baby with a negative HIV result. Water Safety & Access: Health officials are urging facilities to manage shortages of sterile water used for injections, including using normal saline where sterile water isn’t available, while another update confirms emergency water supplies have reached Vatulele to support 222 families and the local health centre amid El Niño-linked shortages. Influenza Surge: Fiji is seeing a seasonal rise in influenza-like illnesses; the Health Ministry says it’s monitoring respiratory infections and tracking whether COVID-19 is also circulating. Food Safety Alert: Consumers are being warned after maggots were found in BBQ bought from a Valelevu roadside stall, with advice to stop eating and report to authorities. Inclusion in Care: Government moves to push formal recognition of Fiji Sign Language to improve access to education, healthcare and essential information for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

HIV Emergency: Fiji’s HIV crisis is worsening, with reports of babies dying as stigma and unsafe practices fuel the surge; Samoa is urging safe sex and HIV testing after Fiji’s emergency declaration. Water & Health: Health officials are raising alarms over sterile water shortages in some public facilities, while the Government has rushed emergency water to Vatulele (981 people/222 families) as El Niño strains supplies; Batiki Island is also seeing diarrhoea linked to unsafe water, with boil-water advice and an emergency response team deployed. Flu Watch: Fiji is seeing a seasonal rise in influenza-like illness; the Health Ministry says it’s monitoring closely and tracking whether COVID-19 is also circulating. Access & Inclusion: Fiji Sign Language recognition is being pushed to improve access to education, healthcare and information for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Accountability in Care: Doctors are calling for stronger reporting and financial transparency to ensure Fiji’s Health Strategic Plan is delivered as promised. Regional Health Cooperation: India-Pacific talks at UNGA sidelines (FIPIC) highlighted healthcare support alongside climate and disaster resilience. Clinical Care Spotlight: A Samoan grandmother recovered after successful open-heart surgery in Fiji without a blood transfusion, underscoring growing cardiac capacity in the region.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national emergency as HIV infections surge, with 2,016 new diagnoses recorded in 2025 and officials warning the outbreak is accelerating—prompting intensified response and expanded testing. Water & Sanitation: Batiki Island is facing a worsening water shortage, with rising diarrhoea cases reported; the Health Ministry has deployed an emergency team and is urging residents to boil drinking water. Health System Accountability: Doctors are calling for stronger accountability on Fiji’s Health Strategic Plan, including regular public annual and financial reporting and better coordination across health workers. Cardiac Care Access: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital has begun free adult cardiac services, completing 64 free adult interventions and 232 free specialist consultations as it expands beyond children. Remote Health Power: UNICEF-supported solarisation is improving reliability at remote facilities, including Rotuma Hospital and several Eastern Division sites, helping keep vaccines, medicines and critical equipment running. Traditional Medicine: Fiji marked Ayurveda Day with the Health Minister urging responsible use of traditional practices as a complement—not a replacement—for evidence-based care. Pacific Health Partnerships: India’s FIPIC engagement includes healthcare cooperation and capacity-building for Pacific Island countries, alongside proposals for specialised training and new health initiatives.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national emergency as HIV cases surge, with 2,016 new diagnoses recorded in 2025 and the epidemic now described as urgent and needing a coordinated response. Adult cardiac care: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Nasese has started free adult cardiac interventions, completing 64 procedures and providing 232 free consultations and screenings. Remote health power: UNICEF-supported solarisation is improving reliability at remote facilities, including Rotuma Hospital and multiple Eastern Division sites, helping keep vaccines and medicines safe. Climate impacts on women: Women in Macuata are calling for direct, sustained government support for those hit by erosion, flooding and saltwater intrusion, including safe water, healthcare and protection during displacement. Media and health policy context: At the Pacific Media Summit, Fiji’s leaders urged “constructive” but independent journalism—an important backdrop for how health crises and public services are reported. Sports and youth health angle: MSG has endorsed the MSG Games Charter for 2029, positioning sport as a driver of healthy lifestyles and youth engagement across Melanesia.