HIV Crisis Response: Fiji’s HIV outbreak has been declared a national crisis, but the Fiji Medical Association says the response is still too slow and needs faster action on barriers like compulsory testing, while the tourism sector backs the whole-of-government approach and reassures visitors Fiji remains open. Health System Strain: Doctors say they’re making critical decisions alone on overnight shifts with limited access to blood tests, X-rays and scans, as staffing and unpaid overtime issues leave hospitals short on diagnostics and second opinions. Respiratory Watch: The Ministry of Health is urging vigilance after Flu Tracking Fiji reports a rise in fever and cough reports (16.4% vs 10.2% last week), while stressing there’s no need for panic and calling for hygiene and staying home when unwell. Medicine Access & Costs: Consumers are urged to shop around after a Suva case showed huge price gaps for the same prescription medicines, with one three-month supply quoted at about $820 at a private hospital pharmacy versus about $361 elsewhere. TB-HIV Link: Fiji reports 260 TB-HIV co-infection cases last year, with 70% of TB diagnoses in children under five also living with HIV. Women’s Health: Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi performed Fiji’s first laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with faster recovery reported.