AGP Executive Report

HIV Response Boost: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Fiji’s fastest-growing HIV outbreak needs a whole-of-community effort, as she opened Fiji’s new National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Office and confirmed $23.5 million in support under the Vuvale Partnership for Health, including prevention, training, workplace support, community outreach and essential supplies. HIV Funding Details: Separate reporting says Australia is also backing health services, supplies and drug imports, citing rising diagnoses and the role of unsafe sex and “bluetoothing” in the crisis. Women in Parliament: Parliament Speaker Filimone Jitoko says Fiji’s democracy needs more women as decision-makers, not just voters, pointing to barriers like family responsibilities, limited networks and stereotypes. Domestic Violence Response: Minister Sashi Kiran says a new nationwide service delivery protocol will improve coordination across 14 ministries, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, health services and civil society to strengthen violence and child protection. Levuka Pharmacy Access: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says private operators can open pharmacies in Levuka, while residents continue to raise concerns about limited access and ambulance shortages. Road Safety Tragedy: A multi-vehicle crash in Navua killed a 70-year-old man and 67-year-old woman; police again urge drivers to slow down as speeding remains a leading cause of road deaths.

HIV Funding Boost: Australia has pledged $23.5 million to strengthen Fiji’s HIV response under the Vuvale Partnership, including support for testing, treatment access, health supplies and drug imports, as officials warn Fiji’s HIV outbreak is the fastest-growing in the world. Local Pharmacy Access: Levuka residents say medicine shortages and no ambulance are harming care; the Health Ministry says private pharmacists can open locally, while ambulance delivery is awaiting new vehicles from India. Violence Response Protocol: Fiji is rolling out a nationwide delivery protocol to improve coordination across 14 ministries, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, the health sector and civil society to strengthen domestic violence and child protection responses. Police Mental Health: Police frontline staff are under spotlight as discussions raise concerns about stress and trauma, with calls to ensure wellbeing policies are actually prioritised and officers feel safe to seek help. Road Safety Tragedy: A multi-vehicle crash in Navua killed two and injured others, with police again pointing to speeding and careless driving as key drivers of Fiji’s rising road toll. NCD Pressure on Families: BSP Life warns non-communicable diseases are driving most deaths and urges prevention and healthier lifestyles, alongside community wellbeing support. Diabetes Foot Complications: Diabetes Fiji links delayed care to stigma, fear, transport costs and late symptoms, urging routine diabetic foot screening in primary healthcare to cut amputations. Animal Welfare Fundraiser: Animals Fiji prepares for “Disco for a Cause 2026” to expand veterinary care and desexing, citing ongoing public health and welfare needs for stray dogs.

Road Safety: Two elderly people died in a multi-vehicle crash in Navua after a vehicle allegedly veered into the opposite lane; police say speeding and careless driving remain top causes, pushing Fiji’s road toll to 31 for the year so far. Diabetes & Early Care: Diabetes Fiji warns that stigma, fear of complications, transport costs and lack of early symptoms delay treatment—often until diabetic foot problems become severe enough for surgery and amputation. HIV Response: The Fiji Medical Association says laws and stigma are undermining the national HIV response, with a reported 45% rise in HIV infections among young people aged 10–19. Maritime Health Access: After six medical workers were rescued from Lau waters, the Vanua o Lau calls for safer boats, dedicated health vessels, stronger maritime support and wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut search times. Public Health Law: University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Prof Shaista Shameem urges Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill to treat domestic violence and child protection as public health priorities, focusing on prevention, early intervention and referrals. Animal Welfare: Animals Fiji announces Disco for a Cause 2026 in Nadi to fund veterinary care and desexing, citing ongoing pressure from stray dog numbers.

Maritime Health Safety: Fiji’s outer-island leaders and health advocates are pushing for safer sea transport after the rescue of six medical workers and a boat handler, with calls for dedicated health vessels, better shipping support, and stronger monitoring systems. Search & Rescue Tech: Life Flight (Fiji) says emergency locator beacons could cut search times and save lives, pointing to the recent Lau ordeal as proof of the need. HIV Response Under Pressure: The Fiji Medical Association warns laws and stigma are hampering the national HIV response, citing a sharp rise in infections among children and teenagers. Diabetes Complications: Diabetes Fiji highlights delayed care and weak early screening as drivers of diabetic foot complications, urging routine foot screening in primary healthcare. Public Health & Water Risks: Suva residents report sewage overflow after a pump failure, raising health concerns for businesses and pedestrians. Community Health Policy: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Prof Shaista Shameem urges proposed health law changes to treat domestic violence and child protection as public health issues. Justice Update: The High Court remanded a Malaysian accused in a meth case as disclosure documents are still pending.

Fiji HIV response under strain: The Fiji Medical Association says laws and stigma are blocking an effective fight against a growing HIV crisis, including a reported 45% rise in infections among 10–19-year-olds and ongoing mother-to-child transmission risks. Diabetes care delays fuel amputations: Diabetes Fiji warns that fear, transport costs, lack of early symptoms, and reliance on herbal or faith healing are pushing people to seek help only after severe complications—often diabetic foot problems—reach CWM Hospital. Maritime safety push after sea rescue: After six medical workers and a boat handler survived nearly 38 hours adrift in Lau waters, the Vanua o Lau and Life Flight (Fiji) Trust are calling for safer boats, dedicated health vessels, and wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut search times. Public health concerns from Suva sewage overflow: Water Authority of Fiji says a pump failure at Robertson Pump Station was triggered when float switches were tangled by plastic bags, wet wipes, rags and other non-flushable waste, leading to overflow and prompting renewed reminders to keep sewers for wastewater and human waste only. Healthcare law reform focus: University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Prof Shaista Shameem urges Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill to treat domestic violence and child protection as public health issues, with prevention, early intervention, and better referrals. Animal welfare fundraiser: Animals Fiji announces Disco for a Cause 2026 in Nadi to expand veterinary care and desexing, citing ongoing pressure from stray dog populations.

HIV Response Under Strain: The Fiji Medical Association says laws and stigma are blocking an effective response as infections rise sharply among young people, including concerns about mother-to-child transmission. Diabetes Care Delays: Diabetes Fiji warns cultural stigma, fear, transport costs and late symptoms are driving severe complications, with diabetic foot problems a major share of surgical cases at CWM Hospital. Maritime Safety for Health Workers: After six medical staff were rescued from Lau waters, the Vanua o Lau and Life Flight (Fiji) Trust are pushing for safer outer-island transport and wider use of emergency locator beacons to cut search times. Public Health From Wastewater: Suva businesses and pedestrians were hit by a sewage overflow after foreign items like wet wipes and plastic bags caused a pump failure; WAF says the system is for wastewater and human waste only. Landfill Smoke Worries: Savusavu residents call for long-term fixes as a landfill fire smoulders again, raising health fears from smoke affecting nearby communities. Health Law Scrutiny: The Public Health Amendment Bill faces pushback over safeguards and clarity, including calls to recognise domestic violence and child protection as public health issues. Violence in Detention: Fiji’s Human Rights Commission demands zero tolerance for torture after an alleged Lautoka Remand Centre assault, urging immediate medical care and a transparent investigation. Workplace Safety & Access: Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew were honoured for rescuing medical personnel, highlighting the need for strong government-private partnerships in emergencies. Community Health & Prevention: Diabetes Fiji and others continue to stress earlier screening and routine foot checks, while scabies control efforts in the region aim to reduce parasitic skin disease.

Maritime Health Safety: After the dramatic rescue of six health workers and a boat handler, Vanua o Lau is urging Government to bring back dedicated, safer health vessels for outer-island outreach, saying small fibreglass boats and “no rescue plan” conditions put lives at risk. Public Health Law Push: The Public Health Amendment Bill is under pressure in Parliament as the University of Fiji says its purpose is unclear, while calls grow to include domestic violence and child protection as public health issues. Suva Sanitation Disruption: A wastewater overflow on Cumming Street followed a pump failure at Robertson Pump Station, blamed on plastic bags, wet wipes and other non-flushable rubbish; WAF says the system is for wastewater and human waste only. Diabetes in the Spotlight: Diabetes Fiji warns diabetes is hitting younger people, citing rising prevalence and major links to kidney failure and eye disease. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government has allocated $41m for Fiji’s first radiotherapy centre to cut overseas travel and improve access. Oral Health Alert: National Toothbrushing Day highlights tooth decay affecting about 8 in 10 five-year-olds, with many teens not getting dental treatment. Worker Protection Review: Health workers’ safety in maritime services is set for review after concerns about gaps in the 2026–2031 strategic plan.

Maritime rescue recognition: Fiji’s Government formally honoured the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew for rescuing six medical workers after a 38-hour ordeal at sea, highlighting how public-private partnerships keep healthcare moving in rural and maritime communities. Public health & water safety: Suva businesses and pedestrians were hit by a wastewater overflow on Cumming Street after a pump failure at the Robertson Pump Station, blamed on plastic bags, rags, wet wipes and other non-flushable items; Water Authority of Fiji says the system is for human waste and wastewater only. Health workforce protection: The Ministry of Health says it will review safety measures for health workers serving in maritime areas after concerns about inadequate support and safer boat needs. Human rights in detention: Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission calls for zero tolerance on torture after an alleged Lautoka Remand Centre assault video; four officers were suspended while an investigation proceeds, with calls for immediate medical attention for the inmate. Cancer care push: Government has allocated $41m in the 2026–2027 Budget for Fiji’s first radiotherapy centre to improve access and reduce overseas travel. Child health alerts: Tooth decay remains widespread—nearly 8 in 10 five-year-olds affected—while childhood cancer awareness groups urge parents to spot warning signs early and seek care fast.

Public Health Bill Scrutiny: University of Fiji warns the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 lacks a clearly stated purpose, raising constitutional concerns about enforcement powers. Domestic Violence as Health Issue: UniFiji also urges Parliament to treat domestic violence and child neglect as public health priorities, saying victims often first seek help through health services. Health Worker Safety at Sea: After six medical staff were rescued following a maritime ordeal, the Health Ministry says it will review safety measures for maritime health workers; the Fiji Medical Association calls for stronger compensation and protection. Maritime Outreach Review: Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa calls the incident an “eye-opener,” with safety and transport arrangements now under scrutiny. Oral Health Push: National Toothbrushing Day highlights tooth decay affecting about eight in 10 five-year-olds, with calls for twice-daily fluoride brushing and better access to dental care. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government allocates $41m for Fiji’s first radiotherapy centre to improve access and reduce overseas travel. HIV Alarm: Fiji faces the world’s fastest growing HIV epidemic, with meth injection linked to rising cases and calls for urgent action. Childhood Cancer Awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji urges parents to spot warning signs early as stigma and myths delay treatment. Conjoined Twins Update: Ten-month-old conjoined twins Dicecea and Jesipeli arrive in Saudi Arabia for specialist assessments under a fully funded programme. Scabies Success: Nationwide mass treatment in Fiji and Solomon Islands sharply reduced scabies rates, showing prevention can work at scale.

Public Health Law: University of Fiji is urging Parliament to strengthen the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 by treating domestic violence and child neglect as public health issues, arguing victims often seek help first through health services, not police. Community Care: The same submissions push for more resources in communities (not just hospitals in major centres) to better support chronic illness and HIV care. Diabetes in the Young: Diabetes Fiji says Fiji’s diabetes burden is rising fast, including very young patients—its youngest Type 1 case is 19 months—and links diabetes to kidney failure, vision problems and frequent amputations. Oral Health Alarm: National Toothbrushing Day highlights that about eight in 10 five-year-olds have tooth decay, with many teenagers not getting dental treatment; officials call for twice-daily fluoride brushing and school-based prevention. Cancer Treatment Boost: Fiji has budgeted $41m for its first radiotherapy centre, aiming to cut overseas travel and improve access to life-saving care. HIV Focus: Style Fiji 2026 will back HIV Fiji to tackle stigma and support people affected by Fiji’s rapidly growing HIV epidemic. Maritime Worker Safety: After six health workers were rescued following a sea ordeal, the Health Ministry says it will review safety measures for maritime outreach and improve boat arrangements. Rare Surgery Update: Ten-month-old conjoined twins from Nausori have arrived in Riyadh for specialist assessments under Saudi Arabia’s fully funded conjoined twins programme.

Childhood Cancer Awareness: Parents in Fiji are being urged to spot early warning signs like persistent fever, unusual bruising, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, swelling, severe headaches and unusual tiredness, as WOWS Kids Fiji supports dozens of children and the Ministry backs Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre with $41m. Oral Health Push: Tooth decay is affecting almost 8 in 10 five-year-olds in Fiji, with officials stressing twice-daily brushing and school-based screening, sealants and fluoride support. Skin Health Boost: A new Australian Verve Lounge in Suva has opened with advanced dermal therapies, including vegan exosomes and PDRN salmon DNA treatment, aiming to bring science-backed skin longevity services to Fiji. Conjoined Twins Update: 10-month-old Fijian conjoined twins have arrived in Riyadh for specialist assessments under Saudi Arabia’s fully funded conjoined twins programme, after costs overseas exceeded $1m. Remote Care Safety: After six health workers were rescued following 36 hours stranded at sea in Lau, the Ministry and Fiji Medical Association are calling for stronger safety measures and better protection for outreach teams. HIV Alarm: Fiji’s HIV outbreak is accelerating, with officials pointing to risky injecting drug use as a key driver and urging urgent response. Scabies Success: Nationwide ivermectin campaigns in Fiji and Solomon Islands cut scabies rates sharply, showing treatment can work when delivered at scale.

Childhood Cancer Awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji board member Anabel Ali says childhood cancer stigma and myths are delaying treatment, urging parents to seek care early as the group supports 64 children and has lost five since January. Oral Health: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports tooth decay affects 8 in 10 five-year-olds, with officials urging twice-daily brushing and noting many teenagers with decay haven’t seen a dentist. Rare Surgery Hope: Ten-month-old conjoined twins Dicecea and Jesipeli Kikau have arrived in Riyadh for specialist assessments under Saudi Arabia’s fully funded Conjoined Twins Programme after overseas costs exceeded US$1m. Health Worker Safety: After six medical outreach workers were stranded at sea for 36 hours in Lau, the Ministry of Health launches a review of outreach safety, while the Fiji Medical Association calls for stronger protection and compensation for frontline staff. Public Health Law Debate: University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Shaista Shameem warns the Public Health Amendment Bill must respect constitutional rights and better address modern health threats like HIV and domestic violence. HIV Alarm: Fiji’s HIV outbreak is accelerating, with officials pointing to risky injecting drug use and warning the epidemic is spreading beyond people who inject drugs. Scabies Progress: Nationwide scabies treatment campaigns in Fiji and Solomon Islands cut rates sharply, showing mass ivermectin at scale can control the disease.

Public Health Law Debate: University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Prof Shaista Shameem says Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill must not undermine the Constitution, warning proposed powers for environmental health officials to order medical examinations or interventions need clearer boundaries and safeguards. Population Planning: Cabinet has endorsed the Fiji National Population Policy 2026–2035, Fiji’s first comprehensive framework to tackle population decline, ageing, migration and labour shortages, with better use of population data to guide services and infrastructure. HIV Outbreak Pressure: Fiji is facing a rapidly growing HIV epidemic, with experts pointing to risky injecting drug use as a key driver and warning the outbreak is spreading beyond people who inject drugs. Conjoined Twins Surgery Search: Fiji’s 10-month-old conjoined twins Di Cecea and Jesipeli Kikau are preparing for complex separation surgery after multiple countries requested US$1 million upfront, highlighting major gaps in access to specialist care. Childhood Cancer Awareness: Parents are urged not to ignore persistent warning signs as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month highlights delayed diagnosis as a major barrier to life-saving treatment. Ebola Readiness: Fiji remains Ebola-free but on high alert, with border surveillance teams activated and some travellers denied entry after passing through affected areas. Sea Rescue for Health Workers: Six Lau medical outreach workers survived 36 hours adrift after engine failure and were rescued and taken for assessment at Lakeba Hospital. Road Access for Health Access: A new $627,000 Nailawa crossing in Ra improves safer access for about 1,500 people, including quicker routes to schools and health services. Disability Rights: Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission calls for sustained, resourced action beyond laws to protect children with disabilities, including stronger access to healthcare and inclusive systems. Maritime Safety Follow-up: MSAF will investigate the vessel engine failure involving the stranded health workers and push for stronger maritime safety awareness with health and education partners.

HIV Outbreak Watch: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is accelerating fast, with experts pointing to risky injecting drug use of meth and needle/blood sharing as a key driver, and warning the outbreak is now spilling beyond people who inject drugs. Public Health Law: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Prof. Shaista Shameem says Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill is outdated and should treat issues like HIV, domestic violence and child violence as public health priorities, not just criminal justice matters. Childhood Cancer Awareness: Parents are urged not to miss warning signs as families share the emotional reality of delayed diagnosis, with WOWS Kids Fiji highlighting support for treatment, transport and school reintegration. Maritime Safety & Care Access: After a vessel engine failure, six health workers were rescued from Lau waters and are in stable condition; the Maritime Safety Authority says it will investigate and push stronger safety awareness. Rare Surgery Funding: Fiji’s conjoined twins Di Cecea and Jesipeli are preparing for complex separation surgery in Saudi Arabia after multiple countries demanded US$1m upfront. Ebola Preparedness: Fiji remains Ebola-free but has surveillance teams on standby and has denied entry to some travellers from affected areas. Roads to Health: A new $627k Nailawa crossing in Ra is improving access for about 1,500 people, including safer routes to school and quicker access to health services. Disability Rights: Fiji’s baseline study on children with disabilities calls for action beyond sympathy, with inclusive systems across education, health and social protection. Justice Update: The Vatia drug case moves closer to trial as the State completes major disclosures and seeks to consolidate related matters.

Childhood Cancer Awareness: WOWS Kids Fiji marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with stories like 7-year-old Jeremiah Tuiraviravir, whose mother says early detection and follow-up support helped him return to health and school. Delayed diagnosis: WOWS co-founder Taholo Kami warned that late discovery remains the biggest barrier, urging parents to seek hospital care early. Rare surgery in progress: Fiji’s 10-month-old conjoined twins, Di Cecea and Jesipeli Kikau, are preparing for life-changing separation surgery in Saudi Arabia after multiple countries asked for US$1 million upfront. Lau medical rescue: Six healthcare workers missing at sea in the Lau Group have been found alive and rescued by the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew, with stable health reported and plans for medical checks in Lakeba. HIV focus: Kadavu women urged urgent action as Fiji records rising HIV diagnoses, with methamphetamine use among young people highlighted in the national outbreak response. Diabetes alarm: Diabetes Fiji says funding requests have been ignored as prevalence rises to about 16.5–17%, with many people unaware they have diabetes and diabetes driving major kidney and eye complications.

Lau medical rescue ends: All six healthcare workers reported missing in Lau waters have been found alive and safely rescued off the southwest coast of Lakeba, with the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew locating them and the Navy confirming they were brought aboard for medical checks. Ongoing search details: Earlier reports said the MD Ono-i-Lau punt sank after engine problems during a medical outreach, with the boat handler reaching safety and the rest of the team missing as Fiji deployed air and sea assets and New Zealand support was expected. Childhood cancer push: WOWS Kids Fiji says 64 children are currently supported for cancer, with a 10-month-old the youngest, and is urging families to recognise early warning signs and seek care during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Diabetes alarm: Diabetes Fiji says the 2025 NCD STEPS survey shows diabetes prevalence rising to about 16.5–17% and that fewer than half of people know they have diabetes, calling for stronger community screening and funding. HIV focus in Kadavu: Kadavu women urge urgent action as Fiji’s HIV cases rise, stressing testing and treatment without stigma. Scabies progress: A new study reports a Pacific mass drug administration programme has sharply reduced scabies and related skin infections in Fiji and Solomon Islands.