AGP Executive Report

Maternal health update: UNFPA says it delivered major gains in maternal and reproductive health and population data collection from 2022–2025, despite funding cuts and rising humanitarian needs. Local health system pressure: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission heard calls for stronger rights to affordable housing and clearer State duties on healthcare after residents described long waits for blood transfusions and gaps in access to essential services. Public health and safety: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing claims about the handling of human remains on Kadavu, including allegations involving a baby’s body stored in an ice-filled esky. Sports medicine dispute: Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji National Sports Commission remain at odds over whether Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne’s medical report was provided, as Byrne denies health issues were behind his departure. Regional health support: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, with more than half a million delivered to Fiji. Access to care in emergencies: A helicopter pilot escaped serious injury after a Robinson R44 ditched into the sea off Wailoaloa Beach near Nadi; he received immediate medical attention on scene. Aquatic wellness push: Fiji’s Lautoka Seals Swim Club is set to link with the American Swimming Coaches Association to build long-term coach education and aquatic development.

Access to Care: Ra’s Nailuva residents say a washed-away bridge still isn’t fixed, forcing about 200 villagers and students to cross a river on foot or swim in bad weather—meaning missed school and delays getting to hospital. Aviation Safety: A Robinson R44 helicopter ditched into the sea off Wailoaloa Beach near Nadi; the pilot was rescued and treated on scene, and authorities are investigating the cause. Health System Accountability: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu match “historic patterns,” calling for swift, independent accountability for officers involved. Maternal/Infant Care & Dignity: Fiji plans to install 10 eco-mortuaries after claims about the handling of remains on Kadavu, including allegations a baby’s body was stored in an ice-filled esky. Livestock Health & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry seeks more funding for animal health programs and disease surveillance to protect farmers and strengthen food security. Governance & Public Services: A former finance minister warns operating costs are squeezing spending on roads, hospitals and infrastructure, while a Constitution review push calls for stronger protections for vulnerable families, including healthcare access. Sports & Wellbeing Claims: Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne and the FRU trade claims over whether health issues drove his departure, as the union insists it stands by its decision. Tourism (Indirect Wellness Impact): Accor and Yavu Collective announce three new Fiji hotels (Sofitel, TRIBE, The Sebel), with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei set for early 2027 on Denarau.

Health System Accountability: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing claims from Kadavu about the handling of human remains, including allegations a baby’s body was kept on ice in an esky; the Health Ministry says tenders are approved and solar-powered units with backup power are budgeted, though final sign-off may take months. Livestock & Disease Prevention: The Agriculture Ministry is seeking more funding for animal health programs and disease surveillance to protect farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen food security. Constitutional Protections: CRC consultations heard calls for stronger rights for vulnerable families, including affordable housing and clearer State obligations on services like healthcare, after residents described long waits and gaps in access to essentials. Public Health & Governance Pressure: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says operating costs are crowding out investment, while former PM Mahendra Chaudhry links poor governance to worsening infrastructure and health services. Police Oversight & Safety: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji match historic patterns after the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, urging independent investigation and accountability. Water & Consumer Safety: WAF backs compensation for unsafe water victims, and concerns were raised about rural water approval powers in a Public Health Bill.

Eco-Mortuaries & Public Health: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after claims a baby’s body was kept on ice in an esky on Kadavu, with $NZ7.7m set aside for solar-powered units and generator backup, though full rollout may take months due to approvals. Water Safety & Accountability: The Water Authority of Fiji backs Public Health Bill clauses on water catchment protection and compensation for affected consumers, while also warning the law must clearly define roles to avoid overlap between WAF and health regulators. Unresolved Death Investigations: Police say several cases remain open, including an unidentified woman found in Nasinu and a 14-year-old boy’s death in Suva, as well as ongoing probes into deaths linked to police incidents. Medicine Shortages (Regional): Samoa’s national hospital is rationing key medicines, including children’s paracetamol, metformin and amlodipine, citing low supply and a backlog of unpaid supplier bills. Health System & Economy Pressure: Fiscal Review Chair Richard Naidu says Fiji’s VAT cut was a mistake that reduced revenue needed for health and other services, as leaders call for urgent jobs-led growth and stronger public systems. Justice & Policing: Fiji’s minister has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Sakiasi Radravu after allegations of assault during a raid, with 12 officers reportedly under investigation.

Eco-Mortuaries & Dignity: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after Kadavu families alleged a baby’s body was kept in an ice-filled esky, with $NZ7.7m set aside for solar-powered units and generator backup. Unresolved Deaths: Police say several major death investigations remain open, including an unidentified woman found in a river in Nasinu and a 14-year-old boy found dead in Suva last December. Police Corruption Probe: Fiji’s top detective Serupepeli Neiko has been directed to go on leave as prosecutors review alleged abuse of office; no charges have been laid. Water Safety & Accountability: WAF supports Public Health Bill clauses that protect water catchments and allow compensation for affected consumers, while also asking for clearer limits on who approves rural water and sanitation systems. Health Supply Strain (Region): Samoa’s main hospital is rationing key medicines, including children’s paracetamol, metformin and amlodipine, citing low supply and unpaid supplier bills. Mental Health & Recovery: Former NRL and Fiji Bati prop Kane Evans publicly came out as gay, describing addiction, suicidal thoughts and homelessness—sparking strong support and renewed conversations about wellbeing. Economy Pressure: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says Fiji’s VAT cut was a policy mistake that reduced revenue needed for health and other services.

Mental Health & Addiction: Former Fiji Bati and NRL prop Kane Evans came out as gay in an emotional Channel Nine interview, describing decades of denial, addiction, suicidal thoughts and homelessness—then crediting support from the RLPA and Roosters staff for getting him into rehab. Public Health Law: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill is drawing scrutiny over rural water and sanitation approvals, with the Water Authority of Fiji warning of overlapping powers and calling for clearer roles and possible compensation for affected communities. Rural Health & Medicines: Samoa’s national hospital is rationing key medicines, including metformin, amlodipine and children’s paracetamol, after a low-supply situation partly linked to unpaid supplier bills; Fiji-based PSH shipments are only partly covering needs. Health System Funding: Fiji’s Health Minister says the 2026-2027 budget must fully cover frontline pay, overtime and allowances to prevent disruptions and burnout amid ongoing staff shortages. Climate & Community Safety: Fiji is advancing climate adaptation using “green-gray” approaches—mangrove restoration plus seawalls—to protect coastal villages from rising seas and flooding. Energy & Resilience: New Zealand-backed solar and battery upgrades are insulating three remote Fiji resorts from major diesel price shocks, helping keep essential services stable. Accountability & Safety: Police and officials are responding to allegations of brutality in the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, with an investigation ordered and a second autopsy sought by his family.

Public Health Bill Watch: Fiji’s Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is pushing for clearer rules on who approves rural water and sanitation systems, warning the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill could overlap with WAF’s existing powers and create confusion for communities. Water Safety Accountability: WAF also says any move to shut down contaminated water must involve consultation, because sudden cut-offs can leave hundreds or thousands without safe alternatives and worsen sanitation risks. Health Budget Priority: Fiji’s Health Minister says the 2026-2027 budget must fully cover frontline pay, overtime and allowances to prevent hospital disruptions and burnout amid ongoing staff shortages. Drug and HIV Response: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn the HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone, calling for a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach. Medicine Shortage (Regional): Samoa’s national hospital is rationing key medicines including metformin, amlodipine and children’s paracetamol due to low supply, with Fiji-based support providing temporary relief. Mental Health & Addiction (Local Spotlight): Fijian international Kane Evans’ public coming-out story highlights struggles with addiction and suicidal thoughts, with calls for more support and awareness.

Maritime Health Compliance: MSAF has given seafarers and ship operators one week to ensure medical fitness certificates are valid ahead of nationwide checks, warning that serving without valid certificates could trigger further regulatory action. Budget & Workforce: Fiji’s Health Minister says the 2026-2027 budget must fully cover frontline pay, overtime and allowances to prevent disruptions and burnout as staffing shortages continue. Public Health Law Debate: The Public Health Amendment Bill is under scrutiny, with the Consumer Council urging compulsory vaccinations and treatment only when backed by scientific proof, and calling for clearer definitions and fairer, tiered penalties. HIV & Drugs Pressure: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn the HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone, urging a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response as doctors report drug use starting as early as primary school. Dengue Prevention Upgrade: A new nationwide dengue control program will use chemical-free mosquito lamps plus bed nets and rapid test kits to boost prevention and early detection. Climate, Waste & Health: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while pollution and poor waste management harm rivers and reefs, pushing stronger waste responsibility. Health Access Story: A woman in Fiji returned home after successful urgent heart surgery for rheumatic heart disease at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals.

Frontline Pay in Budget Talks: Fiji’s Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the 2026-2027 national budget must fully cover salaries, allowances and overtime to prevent disruptions and burnout as staff shortages continue. Public Health Law Under Scrutiny: The Public Health Amendment Bill faces pushback as WAF warns water shutdown powers must involve consultation, while the Consumer Council urges compulsory vaccinations and treatment only with scientific support and fair, proportionate penalties. Dengue Fight Gets a Chemical-Free Boost: A nationwide dengue control program will roll out mosquito lamps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps through a Ministry-GX Foundation partnership. HIV and Drug Crisis Needs Whole-of-Government Response: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn HIV cannot be solved by healthcare alone, pointing to drug use, early exposure and the need for coordinated action across law, education and social services. Youth at Risk: Doctors told of children as young as Year 4 using drugs, with calls for empathy, family support and stronger prevention. Environment and Health Linked: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must stop “slowly strangling” nature with waste, as pollution threatens rivers, reefs and public health. Public Health Officers Face Abuse: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face hostility, abuse and assault while enforcing community protections. Care Story: A woman in Fiji returned home after successful urgent mechanical mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease at Pacific Specialist Healthcare. Waste Incinerator Rejected: Fiji’s Department of Environment says a proposed Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator failed required standards and was not approved. HIV Numbers Alarm: New figures highlight 117 HIV deaths and a surge in new cases, with young people urged to use free services and avoid risky behaviours.

Heart Care in Fiji: Maria Asuelu returned home after successful urgent mechanical mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals, with doctors saying her recovery was uneventful. Public Health Training: Fiji National University and GX Foundation signed an MoU to expand public health and youth development through workshops, training, research and knowledge exchange, targeting vector-borne disease and disaster preparedness. Mosquito-Borne Disease Push: Fiji launched a nationwide dengue and other mosquito-borne disease control program supported by GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and fly sticky papers. Public Health Law Debate: Parliament heard calls to strengthen Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill with clearer, evidence-based limits on compulsory vaccinations and treatment, plus concerns about unfair equal fines for residents and businesses. Environmental Health Under Pressure: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face abuse and assault while protecting communities, urging stronger legal powers. Waste and Pollution: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warned pollution is a public health threat, unveiling a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and Fiji’s first National Plastics Inventory. Hazardous Chemicals: Fiji is preparing its Stockholm Convention report and moving toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions, including setting up a scientific lab for chemical testing. Fiji’s HIV Crisis: Reports highlight ongoing concern over HIV transmission, including young people being hit hardest.

Public Health Law Scrutiny: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill is under pressure as the Consumer Council warns compulsory vaccinations and treatment must be backed by scientific grounds and only used in true emergencies, while Parliament also heard calls for fairer, tiered penalties and clearer definitions. Environmental Health Under Fire: Environmental health officers told Parliament they face abuse, assault and hostility while enforcing community health protections, even as they support stronger legal powers of entry. Vector-Borne Disease Push: Fiji is stepping up its fight against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases with a nationwide program backed by GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, nets and mosquito control tools. Fiji Police/Military Death Investigations: Police say investigations into the custody death of Jone Vakarise continue, with earlier claims challenged by a leaked death certificate; separate probes also continue into another death linked to a joint taskforce raid. Waste & Plastics as Health Issues: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged behaviour change on waste disposal, launching a plastics inventory and pushing container deposit rules as pollution threatens public health. Food Safety for Exports: Fiji and other Pacific authorities trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc, with health risks tied to improper freezing. Hazardous Chemicals Management: Fiji is preparing its next Stockholm Convention report and moving toward joining major chemicals and mercury conventions, including building local lab capacity for testing.

Vector-borne disease push: Fiji has launched a nationwide dengue and mosquito-borne disease control program with support from the GX Foundation, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and fly sticky papers, aiming to boost prevention, detection and outbreak response. Public health law updates: The Fiji Institute of Environmental Health is urging Parliament to add noise pollution to the Public Health Amendment Bill so environmental health officers can enforce standards and act on common community complaints. Housing as health issue: The same institute is also calling for minimum rental housing standards in the bill, citing overcrowding, poor ventilation and inadequate sanitation in complaints from tenants and communal camps. HIV and drug prevention in schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa told students to reject drugs and help curb Fiji’s growing HIV crisis, citing 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025 and 117 HIV-related deaths. Healthcare infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is receiving major upgrades, including a new six-berth mortuary, accessible facilities, and a digital X-ray machine to strengthen diagnostics. Hazardous chemicals management: Fiji is preparing its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants and is moving toward joining other chemicals conventions, alongside building local lab testing capacity.

Vector-borne disease push: Fiji launched a nationwide dengue and other mosquito-borne control program with GX Foundation support, including rapid test kits, mosquito nets, lamps and sticky papers, to boost outbreak prevention and response. Public health law updates: The Fiji Institute of Environmental Health wants noise pollution explicitly included in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce standards; it also urges minimum rental housing standards to tackle overcrowding, poor ventilation and sanitation risks. HIV and drug prevention: Health officials urged students to reject drugs amid Fiji’s growing HIV burden, linking illicit drug use to higher infection risks. Healthcare infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is upgrading services with a new mortuary, accessible facilities, showers and a digital X-ray machine. Safety and accountability: Police are investigating the death of Kinoya man Sakiasi Ose after alleged joint police-military raid circumstances; the family says he was assaulted and later suffered severe complications. Environment & chemicals: Fiji is strengthening hazardous chemical and waste management for its Stockholm Convention reporting, including steps toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions. Food safety for seafood exports: Pacific fisheries authorities trained on new EU freezer vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Community health via food: The Ministry urged families to grow home gardens to improve nutrition, cut costs and reduce lifestyle disease risk.

Public Health & Housing: Fiji Institute of Environmental Health is urging lawmakers to add minimum rental housing standards to the Public Health Amendment Bill, citing recurring complaints about poor ventilation and shared toilets/bathrooms that put tenants at risk. HIV & Drugs in Schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa told students to reject drugs and warned Fiji’s HIV challenge is worsening, citing 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025 and 117 HIV-related deaths. Healthcare Infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is getting major upgrades, including a new six-berth mortuary, accessible amenities, and a floor-mounted digital X-ray machine to strengthen diagnostics. EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU rules tightening freezer vessel temperatures, after concerns about tuna not consistently reaching minus 18°C in brine. Waste, Health & Environment: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected TNG’s Vuda Point energy-from-waste EIA over unresolved public health, hazardous ash, emissions and other risks; TNG has until July 3 to appeal. Community Recycling: Nasinu Town Council launched the Return and Earn initiative to pay residents for eligible bottles and cans, aiming to cut litter and improve cleanliness.

Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port Environmental Impact Assessment, citing unresolved risks around public health, hazardous ash, imported waste, emissions, water supply, and major social, cultural and tourism impacts; Legal Pathway: the developer has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal; Community Health & Nutrition: Northern Division health data shows overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren rose from 5% in 2021 to 7% in 2025, with lunchbox quality still poor; Prevention in Schools: Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa urged students to reject drugs and warned Fiji’s HIV challenge is worsening; Rural Health Infrastructure: Tavua Subdivisional Hospital is getting upgrades including a new digital X-ray and expanded mortuary facilities; Food Security & Wellness: Agriculture officials in Labasa promoted home gardening as a way to improve diet, cut costs, and build resilience against storms and floods; Player Welfare (Health Angle): Fiji Rugby launched the Fiji Rakavi Foundation with medical support and education pathways for players beyond retirement.

Vuda Waste-to-Energy Blocked: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port plan, citing unresolved gaps in the Environmental Impact Assessment, including imported waste, hazardous ash handling, water supply, public health risks, and major social, cultural and tourism concerns. Public Health Law Push: Fiji National University is urging the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 to use tiered fines, with bigger penalties for large corporations than individual residents, and to set fines through regulations so they can be updated more often. Child Nutrition Alarm: Northern Division health data shows overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren up 40% over five years, alongside weak lunchbox quality, with only a small share meeting balanced-meal standards. HIV Update: Fiji’s 2025 HIV figures show 2,016 newly registered cases, 117 deaths, and a worrying pattern of late linkage to care, with men accounting for most cases and iTaukei people making up the vast majority. Water & Sanitation: A new borehole project in Gusuisavu improves clean water access for 90+ households, while heavier downpours are worsening sanitation problems in informal settlements—turning climate issues into direct health risks. Care for Mothers: A new study will measure postpartum depression prevalence in Fiji and identify gaps in maternity mental health support. Corrections Service Response: Fiji Corrections Service denies social media claims of inmate injuries during a snap search, saying any segregation followed procedures.