AGP Executive Report

World Heart Month (Fiji): Cardiologists are urging Fijians not to “wait for chest pain to worsen,” warning delayed care can mean more heart damage and fewer treatment options. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD): A new Fiji RHD Support Programme report says 4,984 people were living with rheumatic heart disease as of July last year, with children aged 5–15 most affected and deaths averaging 71 a year. Global heart care in Fiji: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital launched a new paediatric cardiac surgical mission with specialists from Singapore, Australia and India, while global experts also joined Fiji doctors for free heart surgeries. Influenza warning: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections, advising people to stay home when sick and seek care for severe symptoms. Scabies control success: Fiji’s national mass drug campaign helped nearly halve scabies prevalence, dropping from 6.2% to 3.4%. Access to prosthetics: About 650 Fijians are set to receive free, custom artificial limbs via India’s Jaipur Foot initiative, with camps planned in Suva, Nadi and Labasa. GBV as a public health issue: Fiji National University is calling for a rethink of the national gender-based violence response, saying decades of spending and laws haven’t reduced prevalence.

Influenza Alert: Fiji’s Health Ministry says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections have risen sharply over the past three weeks, with lab testing confirming more seasonal flu activity—earlier than last year—urging people to stay home when sick, boost hygiene, and seek care for severe symptoms. Rheumatic Heart Disease Watch: New figures warn that about 1 in 50 Fijian children may have rheumatic heart disease, with parents urged to spot early signs like sore throats or skin sores and push for screening and follow-up. Heart Care Expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji’s first biplane catheterisation lab, aiming to reduce the need for open-heart surgery for some patients. Prison Health Upgrade: Fiji Corrections is digitising inmates’ medical records through PATIS to improve continuity of care amid rising HIV, non-communicable diseases, mental health needs and terminal illnesses. GBV Focus: Fiji’s GBV response is being challenged as violence remains high despite years of spending, with calls to bring perpetrators into solutions and strengthen community and vanua involvement. Climate & Health: Leaders at a health research symposium warned climate change is already threatening Fiji’s health facilities and disease patterns, stressing research-to-policy action and regional cooperation. School Meals & Nutrition: A proposed home-grown school meals policy could add up to $25m a year for local farmers while improving children’s nutrition and helping tackle NCD risk.

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Fiji health authorities say as many as 1 in 50 children may have rheumatic heart disease, urging early detection because it can develop silently and lead to lifelong valve damage; a new RHD support programme report highlights screening in schools and antenatal services, with an estimated 71 RHD deaths a year and about $18m in annual costs. Flu alert: The Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illness and confirmed seasonal flu cases, with calls to stay home when sick, boost hygiene, and seek care urgently for severe symptoms. Heart care expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji and the South Pacific’s first biplane catheterisation lab. Prison health digitised: Fiji Corrections Service is rolling out PATIS, an electronic medical record system, as it faces HIV and growing non-communicable disease and mental health burdens. GBV response under pressure: Despite more than $140m spent since 2016, gender-based violence remains high, with calls to involve perpetrators and break the culture of silence. Diabetes surge in Labasa: Labasa Divisional Hospital reports diabetes-related amputations are climbing, urging youth to tackle risk factors early. School meals push: A proposed home-grown school meals policy could add $25m a year for local farmers while improving children’s nutrition. Food safety checks: The Consumer Council is stepping up monitoring of school canteens for safe, healthy food and fair pricing. Climate-health link: Fiji’s health facilities face growing climate risks, with leaders urging research to translate into practical upgrades and staffing. Legal accountability: Fiji’s Supreme Court orders FBC to pay $150,000 to a doctor over a 2016 defamatory publication.

Climate & Health Risk: Fiji’s health infrastructure is under growing pressure from climate change, including facility damage, saltwater intrusion and shifting vector-borne disease patterns, with leaders urging research to be translated into real policy and investment. Cardiac Care Expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji and the South Pacific’s first biplane catheterisation lab. Free Pediatric Heart Surgeries: An international pediatric cardiac mission is delivering free life-saving heart operations in Suva, building local capacity alongside Fiji’s Ministry of Health. Flu/ARI Pressure on Services: Nearly 6,000 acute respiratory illness cases have been recorded, with health facilities still packed and officials urging early care and basic precautions. Diabetes Alarm in Labasa: Diabetes-related amputations at Labasa Divisional Hospital have surged to 116 in seven months, highlighting rising NCD risk. STI in Pregnancy: A FRESH pilot study reports very high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women and notes many infections are symptom-free, raising the need for stronger testing and prevention. Prison HIV Tracking: Fiji corrections facilities report 206 confirmed HIV cases, with a new patient information system aimed at improving disease management and continuity of care. Food Affordability for Kids: The Consumer Council says healthier school meals are still out of reach for many families, pushing for affordable, accessible healthy food environments. World Heart Month Stats: Fiji’s Ministry highlights that most adults have at least one major NCD risk factor, including high blood sugar, tobacco use and excess salt.

Flu and ARI pressure: Fiji has recorded nearly 6,000 acute respiratory illness cases, with facilities reporting heavy patient loads despite a slight weekly decline; officials urge early care for trouble breathing, persistent high fever and worsening symptoms. Diabetes crisis in the North: Labasa Divisional Hospital logged 116 diabetes-related amputations in the first seven months, nearing last year’s total and highlighting growing NCD risk. School food checks and affordability: The Consumer Council is stepping up inspections of school canteens, while separate reporting warns healthy food is still too expensive for many families—fueling calls for home-grown school meals pilots and better food environments. Prison health data upgrade: Fiji Corrections Service has launched PATIS, a digital Patient Information System to track inmate health needs, medicines and referrals, with confidentiality stressed. HIV in corrections and beyond: Corrections facilities report 206 confirmed HIV cases, and civil society groups are pushing for HIV to be included on the Pacific Islands Forum health agenda. STI concern in pregnancy: A Fiji pilot study found high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women and many asymptomatic infections, raising the need for stronger testing and prevention. Heart care access: An international team is delivering free paediatric heart surgeries in Fiji, aiming to reduce financial barriers to life-saving treatment.

STI warning in pregnancy and youth: A FRESH pilot study in Viti Levu found very high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates, with most infections showing no symptoms—raising risks for partners and babies and pointing to a need for stronger testing and treatment. Flu surge: Fiji has recorded more than 5,000 flu-like cases, with the Health Minister urging early care and basic prevention like staying warm and drinking fluids. Heart health push: World Heart Month messaging highlights how hidden risk factors drive heart disease, with Fiji’s STEPS survey showing high rates of raised blood sugar, diabetes, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, and excessive salt intake. Free paediatric heart surgery: An international cardiac team is in Fiji for free life-saving procedures, working with local staff to boost regional capacity. Prison health goes digital: PATIS and PATISPlus are being rolled out to improve correctional health data, continuity of care, and planning—while stressing strict confidentiality. School meals and obesity focus: A proposed $2.2m for home-grown school meal pilots aims to boost daily vegetables and support the fight against childhood overweight and NCD risk. Cost of living hits food: Inflation rose to 7.6% in August, driven by higher food prices, including bread, dairy, eggs, vegetables and cooking oils. Salt intake concern: Fiji’s salt consumption averages about 10g a day—double WHO guidance—prompting discussion of potassium-enriched salt and better food labelling. Drug trafficking crackdown: Australia is set to announce major new funding for Pacific surveillance and police coordination to tackle rising meth and cocaine smuggling. Floods and health risk: Flood-prep stories from Nadi show how communities act early, while wider disaster coverage warns overcrowding and lack of clean water can fuel disease. Sewer overflow reminder: WAF says a clothing-related blockage caused a sewage overflow at Sekoula Place, urging proper disposal to prevent public health and environmental risks. Pacific security health link: A report flags Fiji’s meth and HIV crises as a combined public health emergency driven by intravenous drug use. Overseas medical treatment: Cabinet approved overseas treatment for 18 patients at about $800,000 tala, with most receiving care in Fiji.

Digital Health Upgrade: Fiji Corrections Service has launched PATISPlus, a new digital patient information system to connect prison healthcare with the national health system, aiming to improve continuity of care for people in custody and after release, including for TB, HIV, diabetes, hypertension and mental health. HIV Response Update: Fiji is also preparing a major Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey to replace planning estimates with validated data on key populations, HIV prevalence and behaviours driving transmission—so prevention and treatment targets can be measured properly. NCD & Nutrition Push: The Home-Grown School Meals Policy brief is set to boost access to nutritious local food to help tackle Fiji’s growing NCD burden, while a new survey is mapping food environments linked to rising childhood overweight and obesity. Cardiovascular Risk Alert: Fijians are consuming about 10g of salt daily—double the WHO recommendation—prompting calls to consider potassium-enriched salt and stronger food labelling. Public Health & Safety: Water Authority of Fiji says a sewer overflow at Sekoula Place was caused by clothing dumped into the wastewater network, warning residents that foreign materials can trigger blockages and health risks. Regional Health Lessons: Fiji’s Deputy PM urged Pacific neighbours to learn from Fiji’s HIV experience, stressing the value of sharing research and surveillance early.

HIV Care Gap in Focus: Fiji is diagnosing people with HIV faster than it can keep them on treatment, with the share on antiretroviral therapy dropping from over 98% before 2021 to about 56%, and viral suppression still not reliably measured nationwide as viral-load systems and patient identifiers are scaled up. HIV Outbreak Planning Gets a Reality Check: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is preparing a major Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey to validate the true size of key populations, HIV prevalence, and behaviours driving transmission—so prevention and PrEP needs are based on data, not assumptions. Regional Health Learning: Fiji’s Deputy PM urged Pacific neighbours to learn from Fiji’s HIV crisis at the 2026 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium, stressing cross-border research and shared surveillance as people move for work, study and medical referrals. Diabetes Foot Care Shortfall: A Diabetes Fiji audit found Central Division health facilities lacked diabetic foot care equipment, but Australian Aid support has since funded training and distributed toolkits and sterilisation gear. Wellness Tourism Standards: Fiji is using the CIDESCO World Congress in Nadi to lift spa and beauty service standards with internationally recognised training tied to health and safety. Maternal Mental Health Support: A Fijian advocate’s “Mama Talanoa” safe space has grown to 500+ Pacific mothers, tackling stigma and isolation around postpartum mental health. Menopause Conversation Push (Cook Islands): Women in the Cook Islands are calling for more open discussion and better local support as limited services leave many navigating menopause alone. Injury Treatment Update (Lautoka man): A mechanic told amputation was the only option in Lautoka has had his limb saved after second-opinion surgeries at PSH Hospitals in Nadi, with further rehabilitation expected.

Pacific Health Policy Link: Fiji says it will table findings from the 2026 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium in Cabinet, aiming to turn research into faster, practical health decisions. Diabetes Care Gap: A Diabetes Fiji audit found Central Division facilities lack diabetic foot care equipment, but toolkits and training have already started being rolled out with Australian Aid support. Limb-Saving Treatment: A Lautoka mechanic facing possible amputation received advanced orthopaedic care in Nadi, with doctors reporting renewed hope after a second opinion. Wellness Tourism Boost: Fiji is using the CIDESCO World Congress in Nadi to lift standards in spa and beauty services, linking wellness tourism with local products. Ageing Support: Fiji is pushing for age-inclusive national development, highlighting services for older people and work on an Older Persons Act. Community Health & Safety: Government announces a $200 fine for littering, pairing penalties with calls for better waste sorting at source. Regional Summit Context: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is underway with understrength attendance, while health and security remain on the agenda.

Pacific Health & Safety: Nepal flood shelters are overcrowded, with children’s health and safety at risk as rescue and recovery enter day five, and many families lack clean water, food, medical help and child protection. Community Health Access: HEAL International ran its first Fiji medical camp in Labasa, delivering eye exams and glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, women’s health education, plus physiotherapy and occupational therapy consults for hundreds. Hospital Upgrades: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in community and tourism-sector support for a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment. Care That Saves Limbs: A Lautoka man’s leg amputation was avoided after a second opinion and multiple surgeries at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, with infection control and rehabilitation planned. Fitness & Prevention: True Fitness expands to Nadi this November, aiming to make exercise easier for both new and experienced gym-goers. Youth & Health Promotion: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival in Labasa kicks off under “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North,” with fundraising for an ENT centre and key medical equipment, plus contestants advocating against drug and substance abuse. Policy & Wellness Culture: Fiji’s kava industry push continues as leaders debate the Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 penalties, with concerns raised about harsh fines and jail for small-scale sellers. Regional Context: Pacific leaders meet in Palau amid drug-crime and climate priorities, while Taiwan–China tensions and leader absences could affect summit focus. Training for Healthier Futures: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre in Fiji to build renewable energy skills that can power homes, schools and hospitals across the Pacific.

Pacific Health & Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter has opened in Lautoka, offering emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling and referrals for women and girls escaping gender-based violence. Access to Care: HEAL International ran its first medical camp in Labasa, delivering eye exams and glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, and physiotherapy/occupational therapy consults for hundreds of locals. Hospital Upgrades: Community and business partners helped fund about $130,000 in upgrades at Sigatoka Hospital, including a renovated mortuary and advanced X-ray equipment. Life-Saving Treatment: A Lautoka mechanic whose leg was initially expected to be amputated received a second opinion at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, where multiple surgeries reduced the amputation risk. Community Prevention: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival kicks off with a “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North” theme, raising funds for an ENT centre and key medical equipment, while contestants push drug and substance abuse awareness. Public Health Watch: The Consumer Council warns parents about “squishy” toys, citing international recalls over chemical burns, toxic exposure and choking hazards. Policy Debate: Fiji’s Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 faces pushback over proposed penalties, with leaders arguing the fines and jail terms could hit small-scale sellers hardest.

Community Health & Access: HEAL International ran its first medical camp in Labasa (Aug 21–22), offering eye exams and free glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, women’s health education, and physiotherapy/occupational therapy consults—150 children and 257 adults were seen, with 1 in 6 needing prescription glasses. Public Health Support: A new Women’s Safe Shelter opened in Lautoka, providing emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, case management and referrals for women and girls escaping gender-based violence. Local Health Upgrades: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in community and business-backed upgrades, including a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment. Care That Saves Limbs: A Lautoka man facing amputation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident got a second opinion at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, where surgeons performed multiple procedures and avoided amputation. Prevention & Awareness: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival begins today in Labasa under “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North,” aiming to raise $340k–$350k for an ENT centre and key medical equipment, while contestants also push anti-drug messaging. Wellness & Skills: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build renewable energy skills for Fiji and the Pacific, linking energy security to health and development. Senior Care: Senior Citizens Day at the Hibiscus Festival is set for Sept 1 in Suva, with free medical check-ups, meals and activities. Health Education: A school-based survey found HIV and drug awareness gaps among Fijian students, with misconceptions still present.

Community Health Support: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in upgrades through community, business and tourism-sector partnerships, including a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment commissioned by the Health Minister. Mobile Care Access: HEAL International ran its first Fiji medical camp in Labasa, delivering eye exams and glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, women’s health education, and physiotherapy/occupational therapy consults—finding many needed glasses and that non-communicable conditions may be under-managed. Second Opinion Saves Limb: A Lautoka man facing amputation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident was transferred to Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, where surgeons performed multiple procedures and said the leg is no longer at amputation risk. Women’s Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter opened in Lautoka, offering confidential emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling and referrals for survivors of gender-based violence. Prevention & Awareness: A school-based pilot survey by Medical Services Pacific found HIV and drug awareness gaps still exist, with misconceptions and stigma knowledge needing strengthening. Healthy Youth Fundraiser: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival begins today in Labasa under “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North,” aiming to raise $340,000–$350,000 for an ENT centre and key medical equipment.

Women’s Health & Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka has opened to support women and girls escaping gender-based violence, offering emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, case management and referrals to health and legal services, with the shelter’s location kept confidential. Maternal Care: CWM Maternity Hospital says its sterilizer equipment has been down since last week; staff are using another sterilizer while repairs continue, with a larger sterilizer expected to be operational before year-end. HIV & Drug Education: A school-based pilot survey by Medical Services Pacific found HIV awareness is low-to-middling (about half of students), with remaining misconceptions on stigma, treatment and safe sex, alongside gaps in drug awareness. Consumer Safety: The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning parents about “squishy toys,” citing international recalls over chemical burns, toxic exposure and choking risks, and noting many local products lack safety information. Community Health Access: Free medical camps are bringing care closer to communities, while Senior Citizens Day at Hibiscus Festival will include free check-ups and meals for elders. Workforce Health: Samoan seasonal workers in Australia/NZ are raising concerns about unexplained deductions and unsafe accommodation conditions, including overcrowding and shared facilities.

Workplace Rights: Samoan seasonal workers in Australia and New Zealand’s schemes raised concerns in Port Vila about unexplained accommodation deductions, overcrowding, and charges for bedding and shared facilities, urging clearer documents and stronger action. Maternal Health: CWM Maternity Hospital’s sterilizer equipment is down again, with staff using an alternative sterilizer while repairs for a larger unit continue, raising worries for safe turnaround times. HIV & Drugs Education: Medical Services Pacific’s school survey shows only about half of students know HIV basics, with persistent misconceptions and stigma gaps, while educators say sex education remains taboo—blocking stronger HIV and drug awareness. Community Health & Safety: Consumer Council of Fiji warns parents about “squishy” gel toys, citing international recalls over chemical burns, toxic exposure, and choking risks, plus local products lacking safety info. Water Quality Alarm: Residents in Labasa’s Qawa River area report dead fish, stench, and declining crab and fish numbers, linking the issue to wastewater during crushing season and calling for urgent investigation. Renewable Skills: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build solar and clean-energy technician capacity across Fiji and the Pacific. Senior Support: Hibiscus Festival 2026 will host a free Senior Citizens Day with medical check-ups and services at Suva Civic Centre on Sept 1.

HIV & drugs education: Medical Services Pacific’s school survey shows only about half of students initially knew about HIV, with persistent misconceptions and stigma gaps—especially around safe sex, treatment and stigma—highlighting the need for stronger, age-appropriate education. Maternal care safety: CWM Maternity Hospital’s sterilizer has been down since last week; staff are using another unit while repairs continue, with a larger sterilizer expected to be operational before year-end. Water quality & health: Communities along the Qawa River in Labasa report dead fish, strong stench and worsening fish/crab numbers, urging urgent investigation into possible mill wastewater impacts. Sex education taboo: Educators say cultural sensitivities keep sex education from being openly discussed, creating barriers to HIV and drug awareness, and they’re calling for safer, parent-involved conversations. Community health access: Free medical check-ups and services are planned for Senior Citizens Day at Suva Civic Centre on Sept 1 as part of Hibiscus Festival 2026. Renewables for health systems: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build solar and clean-energy skills—aimed at supporting resilient services like hospitals and schools.