AGP Executive Report

HIV response under pressure: WHO and UNAIDS warn HIV gains in Asia-Pacific are at risk as funding cuts hit prevention, testing and community-led services, with Fiji among countries facing fast-rising epidemics. Drug crisis burden on families: St Giles Hospital’s Dr Afia Zahin says children as young as 14 are injecting drugs and arriving with HIV, TB and hepatitis C, while elderly parents use welfare payments to support adult children addicted to drugs. Menstrual health in disasters: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement highlights “Period Justice in a Climate Crisis,” calling for menstrual care to be included in national disaster planning and response. Rotuma medevac concerns: Rotuma leaders say frequent, costly medical evacuations reflect gaps in local staffing, diagnostics and equipment, urging stronger island healthcare capacity. New HIV injection option: A new long-acting HIV drug, lenacapavir, requires two injections a year, but access, cost and supply remain key questions for countries like Fiji. Health system support from India: India confirms 10 ambulances for Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services, plus a second Jaipur Foot camp planned for September. Local health workforce focus: Fiji’s laboratory professionals are urged to be strengthened as the backbone of diagnosis and outbreak response, amid worries about brain drain. Wellness push: International Day of Yoga events in Suva promote “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” with free classes encouraged across Fiji.

HIV Treatment Update: Fiji is watching closely as South Africa begins using lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV injection that can control the virus for about six months—raising big questions for Fiji on access, cost and supply, especially as the country faces a fast-growing HIV epidemic. Drug Crisis Impact: St Giles Hospital’s Dr Afia Zahin warns that children as young as 14 are arriving at facilities with HIV, hepatitis C, TB and severe mental illness linked to injecting drugs, while grandparents and elderly parents are increasingly forced to use welfare payments to support addicted adult children. Wellness for Healthy Ageing: Fiji marked International Day of Yoga with a Suva event under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” with leaders promoting yoga to support mobility, balance and mental wellbeing, plus free classes offered across the country. Health System Capacity: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is under pressure from brain drain, and the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science conference highlighted the need to retain skilled lab professionals and strengthen diagnostics. Medical Support from India: India confirmed 10 grant-funded ambulances for Fiji and progress on a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital tender in Nasinu, alongside planned Jaipur Foot camps. Public Health Law: The Fiji Medical Association supports updating the Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 but says medical oversight and clinical safeguards must stay central.

New Hospital Push: India’s grant-funded 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Nasinu is in advanced tendering, with construction expected to start once procurement is finalised, alongside plans for donated dialysis units arriving in the next few months. Ambulance & Mobility Support: India is also donating 10 ambulances to Fiji and planning a second Jaipur Foot camp in September for free prosthetic fittings, as both sides flag rising diabetes and other NCD pressures. Stronger Diagnostics, Faster Care: Fiji’s medical laboratory community is calling for better retention and support as brain drain threatens diagnostic services; speakers stressed labs as the “linchpin” of healthcare, especially during outbreaks. Public Health Law Watch: The Fiji Medical Association backs updates to public health laws but warns reforms must keep medical oversight and clinical safeguards central, not shift too much power to non-medical roles. HIV Funding Warning: WHO says global funding cuts could undermine HIV prevention in Asia-Pacific, urging governments to replace external support and strengthen primary care. Wellness in the Spotlight: International Day of Yoga events in Fiji promoted “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” with free classes highlighted. Community Health & Dignity: Roadside vendors in Buabua are pleading for sheltered stalls to protect livelihoods and improve conditions for families. Menstrual Health: Fiji’s Lets Talk Periods Festival pushed for period justice in climate planning, citing barriers to products and WASH during disasters.

Medical workforce crisis: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is facing a serious brain drain, with qualified scientists leaving for better opportunities overseas, as highlighted at the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science seminar. Laboratory leadership: An Australian expert says Fiji’s lab staff are highly skilled and resourceful, but labs are often overlooked by policymakers who prioritise doctors and nurses. Public health law reform: The Fiji Medical Association supports updating the Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026, but warns reforms must keep medical oversight and clinical safeguards at the centre. HIV prevention funding pressure: WHO warns global funding cuts could undermine the HIV response across Asia-Pacific, including fast-growing epidemics in Fiji and neighbouring countries. Drug crisis response: A drug and HIV advocate calls for stronger national action, including wider needle exchange understanding and more consistent drug testing. Menstrual health in climate planning: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement pushes for period justice to be included in national climate disaster planning, citing barriers to products and WASH during emergencies. Regional security and health links: Cook Islands health officials urge a coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together. Ocean health push: Fiji and Panama help launch a global Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining.

Public Health Law: The Fiji Medical Association backs updates to Fiji’s Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 but warns reforms must keep medical oversight, clinical judgment and safeguards central—not shift too much power to environmental health officers. HIV Prevention: Fiji has started rolling out PrEP (HIV prevention medication) through Medical Services Pacific offices, with 11 people accessing it on day one as officials weigh wider harm-reduction options like needle exchange. Laboratory Capacity: A major conference in Fiji is spotlighting the “linchpin” role of lab professionals, as experts warn of under-resourcing and brain drain across the Pacific. Mental Health Funding: FCOSS is urging Budget support for a community Mental Wellness Centre in Lautoka and stronger community governance in informal settlements to reduce stigma and improve psychosocial support. Menstrual Health & Climate: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement calls for “period justice” to be built into climate disaster planning, citing barriers to menstrual products and WASH during emergencies. Drug Crisis Response: Cook Islands health officials call for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, saying health impacts start in families and communities long before police action. Diabetes Fiji Relocation: Diabetes Fiji’s services may move due to structural safety risks at its current hub, with temporary options discussed to avoid disrupting care. Custody Allegations: CID is investigating allegations of police and RFMF assault in Beqa after a man died; a post-mortem is set for June 22.

HIV Prevention Push: Fiji has begun rolling out PrEP, with 11 people accessing HIV prevention medication on day one through Medical Services Pacific offices nationwide, as officials stress wider access to curb rising infections. HIV Funding Alarm (Asia-Pacific): WHO warns that funding cuts could weaken HIV prevention across the region, urging governments to replace external support and integrate HIV services into universal health coverage. Drug Crisis, Health First: Pacific leaders and health officials call for a coordinated regional response to drug trafficking, saying families and health workers often see the harm first—plus Drug World Fiji urges stronger national action, including understanding needle exchange as harm reduction. Menstrual Health in Climate Planning: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement marks “Period Justice in a Climate Crisis,” highlighting barriers to menstrual products and WASH during disasters. Diabetes Fiji Relocation: Diabetes Fiji’s services may move due to structural safety concerns at its current hub, with temporary options discussed to avoid disrupting care. Skin Health Gets a Boost: Fiji’s Health Minister says skin health is being neglected, while Fiji prepares more specialist dermatology capacity. Regional Security & Tech Risks: Experts warn cyber tools and misinformation are rising risks for Pacific communities, alongside calls to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. Climate Talks & Science: Pacific negotiators in Bonn reject attempts to sideline climate science and the 1.5°C limit, warning vulnerable communities will pay the price. Community Mental Health Funding: FCOSS urges budget support for a Lautoka mental wellness centre and community councils in informal settlements.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Fiji has started PrEP access, with 11 people using the first day of availability through Medical Services Pacific offices nationwide, as officials push wider prevention while discussing needle exchange as a harm-reduction option. Diabetes Care Continuity: Diabetes Fiji’s relocation talks continue after safety concerns flagged major structural risks at its current hub, with the Ministry of Health weighing temporary options to avoid disrupting care. Skin Health Push: Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu says skin health neglect persists, but Fiji is on track to register its first locally trained dermatologists in 2027 after training upgrades and a Pacific Dermatology Training Centre. Infectious Disease Powers: A Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 proposes stronger outbreak controls, including quarantine enforcement, expanded inspections, and penalties for misinformation during health emergencies. Menstrual Health & Climate: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement calls for “Period Justice in a Climate Crisis,” urging menstrual products and WASH access to be built into national disaster planning. Mental Health Funding: FCOSS asks for budget support for a Lautoka Mental Wellness Centre and community councils in informal settlements to strengthen local support and reduce stigma. Drug Harm Reduction: Drug World Fiji’s founder urges stronger national action as HIV cases linked to needle sharing rise, backing needle exchange and wider drug testing. Pacific Cyber Warnings: Leaders at Suva’s Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue warn AI and digital tools bring misinformation and online harm risks, especially for youth mental health.

Public Health Law: Fiji’s Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 proposes tougher outbreak powers, including fines up to $10,000, expanded authority for environmental health officers to inspect premises and enforce isolation, and new offences for obstructing officers or spreading misinformation. Mental Health & Community Support: The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is urging Budget funding for a community-based Mental Wellness Centre in Lautoka and community councils in informal settlements, citing under-resourced services and stigma that keeps people from seeking help. Dermatology Workforce: Fiji is on track to register its first locally trained dermatologists in 2027, after setting up a Pacific Dermatology Training Centre at Tamavua Twomey Hospital and recognising postgraduate qualifications with Fiji National University. Drug Crisis Response: A Pacific health leader is calling for a more coordinated regional approach to drug trafficking that treats prevention and community support as part of health, not just policing. Water Access in Labasa: A Labasa farmer is appealing for Budget action to fix long-running dry-season water shortages affecting 23 households, saying clean water is critical for children’s health, elderly care and farming. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama launched a global commitment to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” urging action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Disaster Readiness: Pacific Partnership 2026 is set to visit seven nations over five months with a strong medical and disaster-management focus, building regional response capacity.

Public Health Law Update: Fiji’s Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 proposes tougher outbreak powers, including fines up to $10,000, stronger quarantine enforcement, expanded authority for environmental health officers to inspect premises and collect samples, and new offences for obstructing officers or spreading misinformation. It also allows the Head of Environmental Health to direct people to undergo vaccination or other preventative treatment during an epidemic, based on ministerial advice. Specialist Skin Care Milestone: Fiji is on track to register its first locally trained dermatologists in 2027, after setting up a Pacific Dermatology Training Centre at Tamavua Twomey Hospital and working with Fiji National University to recognise postgraduate dermatology qualifications. Drug Crisis Response: Pacific leaders are being urged to tackle drug trafficking with a coordinated, prevention-first approach that treats health, peace and security as one problem—warning that families and frontline health workers often see harm long before police action. Local Health Access & Costs: Lautoka ratepayers are calling for immediate relief ahead of the National Budget, saying rising fuel, food, medicines and health-sector pressures are hitting households hard. Water for Health: A Labasa sugarcane farmer says 23 households still lack reliable water in the dry season and wants Budget funding to fix long-running supply problems, stressing clean water access for children and the elderly. Regional Readiness: Fiji is also part of wider Pacific disaster-response readiness efforts, with Exercise MARARA 26 strengthening logistics, medical support and communications across partner nations.

Medical Emergency in Fiji: “Love Island USA” executive producer James Barker, 40, died in Fiji during Season 8 filming after an “unexpected medical emergency.” Networks ITV America and Peacock confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause, while Tuesday’s episode ended with an on-screen tribute reading “For James” and “We love you.” Cost-of-Living Pressure: Lautoka ratepayers are urging the government to deliver immediate relief before the National Budget, citing rising fuel, food, and medicine costs and a struggling health sector. Pacific Health Links: India’s High Commissioner to Fiji met Kiribati’s health minister to discuss deeper healthcare cooperation, including affordable drugs, dialysis machines, and a sea ambulance. Local Health Access: Fiji’s health infrastructure continues to expand with renovated and upgraded health centres bringing better care closer to communities. Public Health & Sports: Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius was postponed as a precaution linked to Ebola concerns in parts of Africa. Ocean & Wellness: A major coral reef study (“50 Reefs+”) highlights climate-resilient reefs that could help protect coastal livelihoods—relevant to Fiji’s health through safer shorelines and fisheries.

Cost of Living & Health Access: Lautoka ratepayers are urging the government to deliver real relief before the National Budget, warning rising fuel, food, and medicine costs are hitting families hard and calling some budget plans “a paper budget,” with examples including inhalers nearly doubling in price. Budget Politics Watch: Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube says the 26 June budget should avoid “irresponsible” handouts and vote-buying, arguing Fiji’s issue is how funds are allocated—especially for education and health. Community Policing at Sea: Fiji is recruiting coastal communities, fishermen and boat operators to help spot drug traffickers, citing major seizures of cannabis, methamphetamine and cocaine and expanding a UNDP/UK-funded maritime security programme through village crime prevention committees. Regional Health Cooperation: India’s High Commissioner met Kiribati’s health minister to deepen healthcare ties, including affordable drugs, dialysis machines, sea ambulance support and capacity building. Sports & Wellness: Team Fiji swimmers are setting Commonwealth Games goals in Glasgow, with a seven-athlete squad aiming for personal bests and medals despite balancing training with work and studies. Health Systems & Security Support: Japan reaffirmed support for Fiji’s security and development, including patrol boats and medical sector assistance for RFMF capacity building.

Health & Science: A new study using microbiome DNA data from 430 people in 207 households across Italy and Fiji finds that cohabiting romantic partners share far more oral and gut microbes than non-household contacts, with kissing and daily close contact likely driving transmission. Fiji Health & Safety: A Fiji human rights activist is calling for the disbanding of the joint police-military drugs taskforce, pointing to ongoing concerns after the deaths of Jone Vakarisi and Sakiasi Ose Radravu; the government says it does not support the call, while authorities say investigations are nearing completion. Global Health Research: Coral reef researchers say they’ve mapped areas that may be more climate-resilient, offering hope for targeted protection as El Niño raises ocean heat risks. Fiji in the Spotlight: Love Island USA executive producer James Barker, 40, died in Fiji after an unexpected medical emergency; networks say the show will honour him in an upcoming episode, but no cause of death has been released.

Elder Health & Safety: Fiji marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with new figures showing a sharp rise in financial deception against people aged 60+—cases of “obtaining a financial advantage by deception” jumped 86% (29 in 2024 to 54 in 2025) even as overall crimes against older people fell. Airline Wellness: Fiji Airways launches its FlyWell program, offering onboard wellness options to help business-class travellers manage jet lag on long-haul routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Sports Medicine: Melbourne Storm and Fiji captain Tui Kamikamica faces an uncertain comeback after a stroke recovery setback, with reports suggesting he may not return to the NRL this season. Public Health Research: A new study links household cohabitation to strain-level microbiome sharing and highlights connections between transmissible gut strains and markers tied to type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Health & Community Security: Japan reaffirms support for Fiji’s security and development, including medical capacity-building for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

Elder Abuse & Scams: Fiji’s Ministry reports a sharp rise in financial deception targeting people aged 60+ (up 86% in 2025), even as overall crimes against older people fell—highlighting the need for stronger protection and vigilance. Primary Healthcare Upgrade: Tailevu’s Nayavu Health Centre has reopened after a $400,000 renovation, expanding outpatient space, improving emergency observation, upgrading maternal and child services, and adding full solar power to keep care running reliably. Maritime Safety Alert: The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji issues an urgent warning after recent sea tragedies, urging strict adherence to safety protocols as rough weather and small craft risks continue to claim lives. Agriculture Lab Boost: Fiji’s $1.3m upgrade to the Koronivia Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory and Crop Research Information Centre aims to speed up testing and improve disease detection for crops, livestock feed, food and water. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end of 2026 as it tackles illegal fishing and safeguards fish stocks under the 30x30 goal. Regional Security & Health: Pacific leaders warn drug trafficking is becoming a regional health and social crisis, with Fiji flagged as a hub for spillover effects. Tourism & Health Link: A major Accor deal with Yavu Collective will add three new hotels in Denarau and Nadi, supporting jobs and visitor services that can indirectly ease pressure on local systems.

Stroke recovery update: Melbourne prop Tui Kamikamica’s NRL comeback is on hold after a health setback following brain and heart surgery, but the Fiji captain is still aiming for the Rugby League World Cup starting Oct 15. Primary care upgrade: Nayavu Health Centre in Tailevu has reopened after a $400,000 renovation, expanding maternal and child services, emergency observation, and outpatient space, with full solarisation to keep care running reliably. Rural health boost: A $400,000 Korea-funded upgrade (with WHO support) is expected to benefit about 7,000+ residents, improving comfort and faster emergency response. Agriculture lab for safer food: Fiji’s Koronivia Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory has reopened after a $1.3m upgrade to speed up testing and improve disease detection for crops, livestock feed, food and water. Public health and HIV: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre warns HIV stigma is still driven by outdated “gay disease” misconceptions, urging early medical care and better education. Maritime safety: Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority urges extreme caution as rough weather continues after a Beqa capsizing left three dead and one missing, with two survivors treated at Navua Hospital. Drug crisis response: A former senior police official calls for whole-of-government coordination on Fiji’s drug problem, including clear Police-RFMF SOPs and stronger health and judicial links. Inclusion and albinism: Calls are growing to end discrimination against people with albinism, with health officials highlighting skin cancer risk and the need for early screening and community support.

Nursing Education Leadership: Former Education and Agriculture Minister Mahendra Reddy has been appointed chair of the Sangam College of Nursing Board, with plans to expand nursing and health-related programmes across Fiji and the region. Waste & Health Risks: Fiji rejected an Australian-backed proposal to ship waste to Fiji for incineration, with officials warning it could worsen emissions and health and environmental harm—described by critics as “waste imperialism.” Emergency Response & Public Health: Police suspended the Beqa boat-capsize search due to bad weather; three bodies were recovered and two survivors were treated at Navua Hospital, while disaster officials issued coastal inundation alerts. Stroke Recovery Update: Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica’s chances of returning to the NRL are now seen as unlikely after a stroke setback, with his World Cup hopes also fading. Dental Access in Remote Areas: Retired Labasa dentist Tomasi Kuru launched Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services, aiming to bring iTaukei-led dental care to remote communities in Vanua Levu. Anti-Discrimination in Health: As Fiji marks International Albinism Awareness Day, health leaders and advocates renewed calls to end stigma, improve skin and eye care, and expand support for people living with albinism. Child Poverty & Child Labour: A new report highlights that one in four children in Fiji lacks access to necessities, while child labour remains widespread—linking poverty, education gaps, and health risks. AMR Preparedness: WHO released a practical manual to help Western Pacific health workers strengthen diagnostic stewardship to slow antimicrobial resistance. Whole-of-Government Drug Response: UN safety and security official Unaisi Vuniwaqa urged Fiji to tackle the drug crisis with coordinated government action, stronger institutions, and clear SOPs for any Police-RFMF operations. Water Safety & Oversight: Calls are growing for clearer public health powers around rural water approvals, alongside support for compensation for water victims. Maternal Health Funding Pressure: UNFPA reported major gains in maternal and reproductive health services during 2022–2025 despite funding cuts and rising humanitarian needs. Local Health Infrastructure Planning: Fiji’s long-term investment priorities include a proposed National Tertiary Hospital, alongside climate resilience and transport upgrades, as it aligns trade and investment plans with Australia.