AGP Executive Report

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after new data showed about 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV, with UNAIDS reporting infections up 12-fold over 15 years; the government is expanding testing and treatment, including prevention options, while WHO urges a sustained, stigma-free response. Needle-Sharing Warning: A WHO-backed assessment says the bigger danger in Fiji is widespread reuse of contaminated needles and syringes among people who inject drugs, not just the “bluetoothing” practice that has drawn attention. Treatment Myths: The Health Ministry warns people living with HIV not to stop antiretroviral therapy over herbal cure claims, stressing ART works and stopping can lead to illness, transmission risk, and drug resistance. Cancer Care Gap: A Lautoka Hospital study presented at the Fiji Medical Association Conference found many breast cancer patients present late—often months to years after symptoms—highlighting the need for earlier awareness and support, including roles for religious leaders and NGOs. Road Safety Skills: Fiji Red Cross trained 44 PSV drivers in First Aid and CPR in Suva and Lautoka to help stabilise casualties before emergency services arrive. Access to Care: PSH Hospitals founder Parvish Kumar received a Samoan chiefly title for services to Pacific healthcare, and PSH has started groundwork for a private hospital in Savai’i, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad. Water & Health Support: Emergency water supplies are being delivered to drought-affected Batiki Island, with priority for the school and health centre. Community Health: Over 1,000 people received free dental screenings in Nausori, showing strong demand for accessible oral care.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS data showed infections rising to about 1 in 60 adults, with 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 and a 12-fold increase over 15 years; officials say expanding testing, prevention and treatment is urgent, with WHO backing measures like PrEP, harm reduction for people who inject drugs, and free ART. HIV Risk Details: A WHO-backed assessment says the bigger danger is widespread needle and syringe reuse due to limited access to sterile equipment, while Fiji’s health ministry warns people not to stop treatment over herbal cure claims and stresses “undetectable equals untransmittable.” Youth & Health Access: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica urged meaningful youth participation in decisions affecting their futures, linking peace and safety to access to help for HIV and drugs without shame. First Aid on the Roads: Fiji Red Cross trained 44 PSV drivers in First Aid and CPR to help stabilise crash victims before emergency services arrive. Water Security: Emergency water supplies are being delivered to drought-affected Batiki Island, with priority for the school and health centre. Eye Care Boost: A Chinese team carried out cataract surgeries and laser treatments for 106 patients at CWM Hospital. Teen Health: The Ministry says teenage pregnancy is slowly declining but still needs coordinated, age-appropriate support across health, youth and education.

Youth Reproductive Health: Fiji’s Ministry of Health says teenagers can access contraception, counselling, peer education and youth-friendly services—urging more awareness so young people know where to get help without stigma. Measles Alert: DHB warns measles is highly infectious, with 128 confirmed cases in Northland, and urges MMR immunisation before summer travel and family visits. HIV Emergency Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after estimates show about 1 in 60 adults living with HIV, with testing and prevention ramped up; WHO backs expanded free testing, PrEP and harm-reduction, while health authorities warn against stopping ART over herbal cure claims and stress “undetectable equals untransmittable.” Assistive Technology for Children: SPARK Fiji is set to expand screening and referral for hearing, vision and mobility needs, as global access remains far too low. Eye Care in Fiji: Chinese specialists delivered cataract surgeries and laser treatments for 106 patients at CWM Hospital, helping restore sight for older Fijians. Diabetes Advocacy: Diabetes Fiji brings its community-based “From Community to Care” model to an international congress, calling for stronger Pacific leadership and follow-up beyond clinics. Road Safety First Aid: Fiji Red Cross trained 44 PSV drivers in first aid and CPR to help at crash scenes while emergency services respond.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after estimates show about 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV, with new diagnoses rising sharply (2,016 in 2025) and major gaps in testing and treatment (only 39% know their status; 22% on ART). The government says it will expand free testing, prevention (including PrEP), and treatment, alongside harm-reduction for people who inject drugs. Needle-sharing focus: A WHO-backed review highlights that while “bluetoothing” is widely discussed, the bigger driver is reusing contaminated needles and syringes due to limited access to sterile equipment—prompting calls for needle and syringe programmes. Anti-misinformation push: Fiji’s health ministry and Fiji Network Plus warn against viral claims that HIV can be cured with herbal remedies, stressing ART must not be stopped. Prevention beyond HIV: In other health news, teenage pregnancy is slowly declining but still needs coordinated action across health, youth and education; diabetes care group Diabetes Fiji is taking its community-based model to the international stage; and free dental screenings in Nausori drew strong demand.

HIV Emergency Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after infections surged 16-fold over 15 years, with UNAIDS estimating about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025—only 39% know their status and 22% are on treatment. WHO says it will keep supporting Fiji to expand free testing, prevention and treatment, including PrEP and harm-reduction for people who inject drugs. Misinformation Warning: Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services, plus Fiji Network Plus, are urging people living with HIV not to stop ART based on viral claims that herbal cures work—officials stress U=U only applies when treatment keeps viral load undetectable. Road Safety First Aid: PSV drivers in Suva and Lautoka have been trained and certified in first aid and CPR so they can help at crash scenes before emergency services arrive. Oral Health Access: A two-day free dental outreach in Nausori drew more than 1,000 people for screenings and advice on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Community Wellness: First aid facilitator Firomena “Firo” Kitiana says learning first aid is about readiness, compassion and helping without discrimination. Public Health Infrastructure: Tavua Town Council warns its sewage situation has reached a critical stage, raising health and environmental risks if funding delays continue.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has formally declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS data showed infections have risen 12-fold over 15 years, with an estimated 1 in 60 adults living with HIV (up from 1 in 167 five years ago). The government says 2,016 new diagnoses were recorded in 2025, including 59 babies born with HIV and 18 infant deaths, while only 39% know their status and 22% are on antiretroviral treatment. Public Health Response: Fiji plans to rapidly expand free, voluntary testing, widen access to prevention medicines, and scale harm-reduction including a needle and syringe programme, while officials link the surge to higher methamphetamine use and unsafe injecting practices. Flu Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports flu-like illnesses up 75% in one week, with 1,780 new cases and children under five making up 30% of cases. Community Care: Rakiraki Hospital’s Baby Clinic and Women’s Ward have been cleaned and painted through FIJI Water’s Veitokani programme.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS-linked estimates show about 1 in 60 adults living with HIV, up from 1 in 167 five years ago. In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,016 new diagnoses (plus 59 babies born with HIV, with 18 deaths before age one). The government says it will expand free rapid testing, prevention medicines, free treatment, and harm-reduction for injecting drug users, including access to clean needles. Tourism Reassurance: Fiji’s tourism minister says the HIV emergency should not deter visitors, noting tourism supports around 150,000 jobs. Flu Surge: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports flu-like illnesses up 75% in one week, with 1,780 new cases and children under five most affected. Sewage Health Risk: Tavua’s sewage system is at a critical stage, with delays in funding raising concerns about health and environmental impacts. Cancer Check Reminder: Tongan-Fijian journalist Indira Stewart shares her breast cancer battle to urge women not to delay mammograms. Denarau Wastewater Fix: A temporary sewer pipeline for Denarau Road is on track to be completed by end of September to reduce bursts and service disruptions.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after new diagnoses hit 2,016 in 2025 and officials estimate about 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV (up from 1 in 167 five years ago). The government says it will expand free rapid testing, prevention medicines (including PrEP), and harm-reduction support such as clean needles for people who inject drugs, while also pushing a “protect lives, not shame” approach. Pregnancy and baby risk: Health officials report 2 in 100 pregnant women have HIV; 59 babies were born with HIV in 2025 and 18 died before their first birthday. Flu surge: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness cases jumped 75% in one week, with 1,780 new cases in early September; children under five make up 30% of cases, and lab testing points to Influenza A (H1pdm09) as the main strain. El Niño pressure on health and food: Fiji’s consumer watchdog warns El Niño could raise prices and reduce availability of some food and essentials as drier conditions affect local crops and increase reliance on imports. Denarau sewer works: A temporary sewer pipeline for Denarau is on track to be completed by end of September, aimed at reducing wastewater bursts and protecting public health in a major tourism hub.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV crisis, citing 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 and an estimated 1 in 60 adults living with HIV—up from 1 in 167 five years ago. The government says it will push a whole-of-government response, expanding free testing, treatment and prevention including PrEP, and moving toward a needle and syringe programme and long-acting injectable prevention. Pregnancy and child impact: Officials report HIV prevalence of about 2% among pregnant women (around 1 in 50) and 59 babies born with HIV in 2025, with 18 deaths before age one; a two-month-old is also reported as Fiji’s youngest HIV-TB patient. Transmission drivers: UNAIDS links more than half of known transmission routes to sexual transmission and over 42% to injecting drug use, with methamphetamine use and unsafe injecting practices flagged as key risks. Stigma and testing rules: Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu says mandatory HIV testing is not planned, and rights groups warn the emergency must not fuel discrimination or forced testing. Health system strain: Separate reports highlight service disruptions at CWM Hospital, where unpaid overtime is affecting after-hours blood tests and X-rays. Flu surge: Fiji recorded 1,780 influenza-like illness cases in one week, a 75% jump, with children under five most affected. Mental health support: BSP Fiji donated $10,000 to Lifeline Fiji to back mental health and suicide prevention, including a 24/7 support service.

HIV Emergency Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after estimates put 1 in 60 adults living with HIV (and 1 in 50 pregnant women), prompting a wider government push to expand testing, treatment and prevention, including PrEP and plans for needle and syringe programmes. Staffing Strain: Health services are also being held back by health worker shortages, limiting outreach and clinical capacity. Transmission Hotspots & Babies at Risk: Surveillance data points to young men as a key group for male-to-male cases, while a two-month-old is reported as Fiji’s youngest HIV-TB patient—highlighting urgent needs for mother-to-child prevention and child care. Harm Reduction Delays: Fiji has sterile needles and syringes ready, but rollout is awaiting government approval and legal amendments. Stigma and Rights Watch: Officials warn against social media shaming and say emergency measures must not lead to forced testing, privacy breaches, detention or discrimination, with human rights groups calling for a rights-centred response. Flu Reminder: Health Minister also clarified benzathine injections won’t treat influenza, urging proper care and staying home when sick. Access for Children: Separate from HIV, Fiji launched SPARK Fiji, a programme to improve access to spectacles, hearing aids and mobility support for school-age children.

HIV Emergency Response: Fiji has formally declared a national HIV emergency, citing surging infections and a shift from “outbreak-level” action to a wider, Cabinet-led response that expands testing, prevention medicine (including PrEP), free treatment, and harm-reduction services—while stressing no mandatory testing and stronger protections against stigma and discrimination. Needle & Syringe Programme: Government says sterile needles and syringes are already procured, but rollout is awaiting Cabinet approval and legal amendments, with the aim of reducing HIV and hepatitis C transmission among people who inject drugs. Stigma Warning: Health officials are urging people to stop social media vigilantism and public shaming, warning it can push people away from testing and care. Maternal & Baby Impact: New figures show HIV is increasingly affecting mothers and babies, with 59 children born with HIV in 2025 and deaths before age one, as officials move to accelerate crisis measures. Health System Pressure: Prof. Eddie McCaig says CWM Hospital is at “rock bottom” with only two of nine theatres functioning, calling for practical leadership and implementation focus. Cancer Awareness: A new study highlights major knowledge gaps in Pacific women about gynaecological cancer symptoms, with calls for earlier screening and faster follow-up. Assistive Tech for Kids: SPARK Fiji (US$1.6m) will scale up vision, hearing and mobility support for school-age children through screening, referrals, fitting and follow-up. Influenza Antibiotic Misuse: Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu warns benzathine injections won’t treat influenza and urges proper care and staying home when sick. Suicide Prevention: Officials warn against complacency as festive-season pressures can trigger spikes, urging community help-seeking and support. Heart Care Expansion: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital is adding more adult procedures, including angiograms and stents, as Fiji’s non-communicable disease burden grows.

HIV National Crisis: Fiji has formally declared its HIV epidemic a national crisis, citing 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 and rising HIV prevalence among women in antenatal care (about 2%), with plans for expanded testing and treatment plus prevention options including PrEP and long-acting injectable prevention. Needle & Syringe Programme: The Government says it will introduce a formal needle and syringe programme alongside legislative changes, staff training, supply security and stronger community engagement, with a five-member Cabinet committee set to remove delays. Babies at Risk: Health reporting warns the crisis is increasingly affecting mothers and babies, with child cases nearly doubling and deaths among infants linked to HIV complications. Prevention Messaging: Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu urged responsible drinking, saying intoxication can lead to risky sexual behaviour that increases HIV transmission risk, while stressing community efforts to reduce stigma. Diabetic Foot Warning: The Health Ministry cautioned that people are presenting too late for severe diabetic foot infections, shrinking chances of saving limbs and increasing the risk of amputation and sepsis. Eye Care Boost: A China medical mission is set to screen up to 125 patients and provide cataract surgery tools worth $1.1m to CWM Eye Clinic. Suicide Prevention Push: Experts at a regional forum called for culturally grounded, whole-of-society suicide prevention, highlighting higher suicide deaths among men and young adults. First Aid Training: Fiji Red Cross instructor Firomena Kitiana urged communities to learn first aid and be ready to help in emergencies. Road Safety: Police say a bus driver involved in a fatal Rakiraki accident remains in hospital and is yet to be charged, while passengers were treated and discharged.

HIV Response Escalates: Fiji has declared HIV a national crisis, with estimates of about one in every 60 adults living with HIV and 2,016 new diagnoses recorded in 2025; the Government says it will introduce a formal needle and syringe programme alongside expanded testing and treatment, greater access to PrEP and long-acting injectable prevention, plus staff training, supply security and community engagement, with a five-member Cabinet committee now pushing through regulatory changes. Diabetes Foot Warning: The Health Ministry says patients are arriving with severe diabetic foot infections too late, shrinking the chance of limb-saving care and increasing the risk of sepsis and amputation. Eye Care Boost: A $1.1M donation from China will support cataract services at Colonial War Memorial Hospital, with a mission team screening up to 125 patients and aiming to clear them for surgery. Suicide Prevention Push: Fiji is urged to strengthen early risk identification and support, with men and young people highlighted in suicide data and calls for a whole-of-society approach. Respiratory Alerts: FluTracking Fiji reports more fever and cough cases, and the Ministry asks people to stay vigilant and seek care if symptoms persist or worsen. Community Health Access: A drive-through pharmacy opens in Nasinu to make medicine pickup easier for elderly and people with disabilities.

Road Safety: A man in his 40s died after a head-on collision with a bus in Rakiraki on Monday; passengers were treated and discharged, while the bus driver remains in hospital. Suicide Prevention: Fiji’s suicide data shows men and young people aged 18–24 are most affected, with experts urging targeted, culturally grounded action and earlier risk identification. Mental Health Governance: Acting PS Health says suicide prevention must be a shared responsibility across government, schools, families and communities, not just the health sector. Primary Care Access: The Fiji College of General Practitioners wants private GPs to expand public-private services, including sensitive care like HIV testing and support for TB testing. Respiratory Watch: FluTracking Fiji reports rising fever and cough reports, and the Ministry urges hygiene, staying home when unwell, and seeking care if symptoms persist. HIV Alarm: A researcher warns of “horrendously high” HIV-related baby deaths in Fiji, while the Fiji Medical Association says HIV levels could become unmanageable without faster action. Water Security: Health facilities are preparing for possible dry-season water shortages, including reserve tanks and hygiene reminders for rural communities. Eye Health: Clinics report more severe eye disease in younger patients linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma, urging earlier checks. Pharmacy Convenience: A new drive-through pharmacy opens in Nasinu to make medicine access easier for elderly and people with disabilities. Regional Medical Support: Indonesia’s navy hospital ship is set to provide free medical services across Fiji and other Pacific nations over 60 days. Workforce Pressure: The Fiji Medical Association warns 43 newly qualified doctors could be left without jobs due to posting delays, calling for urgent workforce planning. Local Health Services Gap: A Nadi resident raises concerns about a missing ear and nose specialist at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, saying patients are being sent to Suva. Heart Care for Neighbours: Tongan patients thank Fiji hospitals after receiving cardiac procedures, highlighting Fiji’s growing specialist care role.

Humanitarian Care: Indonesia’s Navy has deployed the hospital ship KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 on a 60-day mission to Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, offering free medical services and boosting regional ties. HIV Crisis: Fiji’s HIV outbreak is worsening fast, with a researcher warning of “horrendously high” HIV-related deaths among babies, while the Fiji Medical Association says the country is nearing levels that could become unmanageable without faster action. Water Security: The Health Ministry is preparing hospitals and health centres for possible dry-season water shortages, including reserve tanks and plans for El Niño impacts. Eye Health: Specialists report more severe eye disease in younger Fijians linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma, urging earlier checks. Mental Health Gaps: Fiji is facing suicide prevention shortfalls, including difficulty identifying people at risk early and uneven support across rural areas. Hospital Access & Services: A Nadi resident raises concerns about a missing ear and nose specialist at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, while Nasinu opens a drive-through pharmacy to make medicines easier to access. Workforce Pressure: The FMA warns 43 newly qualified doctors could be left without jobs due to posting delays, and calls for urgent workforce planning. Cardiac Care for Pacific Patients: Tongan patients are receiving heart treatment in Fiji and urging others not to delay care for chest pain, as Fiji’s medical tourism momentum grows. Respiratory Watch: Flu Tracking Fiji reports rising fever-and-cough reports, with the Ministry urging hygiene and medical care when symptoms appear.

HIV Crisis Escalation: Fiji Medical Association President Dr Ronald Kumar warns the country is nearing “unmanageable” HIV levels unless action speeds up, citing about 12,000 people suspected to be living with HIV and over 2,000 new cases in 2025, with gaps in compulsory testing and contact tracing. Workforce Pressure: The FMA says 43 newly qualified doctors could be left without postings by month-end, while doctors in some subdivisions are making critical decisions alone overnight without access to blood tests, X-rays or scans due to staffing and unpaid overtime issues. Whole-of-Government Response: Tourism leaders back the national HIV response after Cabinet declared the outbreak a crisis, urging visitors and the public to follow official Ministry of Health guidance while tourism operations continue normally. Funding and Fairness Debate: Doctors and health groups oppose hospital user fees, instead proposing a 5% tax on kava, alcohol, sugary drinks and junk food to support healthcare. Respiratory Watch: Flu Tracking Fiji reports a rise in fever and cough reports (16.4% vs 10.2% prior week), with officials stressing hygiene and no need for panic. Regional Care & Medical Tourism: Fiji’s private cardiac services continue drawing patients from Tonga and beyond, with gratitude shared after angiography and stenting, reinforcing Fiji’s growing role as a Pacific medical tourism hub.