AGP Executive Report

HIV Response: New Zealand is being urged to ramp up support for Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, with researchers warning it’s now a regional health security issue as diagnoses surged from 1,583 (2024) to 2,016 (2025) and treatment coverage remains low. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Doctors say Fiji’s RHD outcomes are being held back by missed monthly injections linked to poor, often junior-led counselling, while deaths are rising (about 60 to 71 a year) and teams expand school and antenatal screening using handheld echo machines. Cardiac Care Expansion: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is extending specialised cardiac services to adults and adolescents, and recent missions delivered life-saving open-heart surgery for children from Kiribati, plus a school screening case that led to an early device closure. Maternal Health Digital System: PATISPlus is being rolled out to maternal and child health clinics to track high-risk pregnancies and connect patient information across care stages, with pilots planned for Northern, Western and Eastern Divisions. Child Protection & GBV: Save the Children Fiji calls for sexual violence against children to be treated as a national crisis, urging prevention, protection, healthcare and child-friendly justice, while Fiji’s GBV response is pushed to involve men, families and communities more strongly. Health Infrastructure & Access: Fiji and the UAE discussed a potential new wing for CWM Hospital, and global specialists continue supporting free heart surgeries in Fiji.

Card Care Expansion: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital in Fiji will extend specialised cardiac services to adults and adolescents later this month, adding angiograms and scans to reduce the need for overseas travel. Heart Stories: A 9-month-old Amota and 5-year-old Ruata from Kiribati are recovering after life-saving heart surgeries during a Gift of Life mission, while a routine school screening also uncovered a hidden heart problem in an active 13-year-old. Rheumatic Heart Disease Alarm: Fiji’s rheumatic heart disease deaths are rising (about 60 to 71 a year), with health teams expanding school and antenatal screening and urging earlier diagnosis and treatment. Maternal Health Tech: PATISPlus is being introduced to maternal and child health clinics to help track high-risk pregnancies, share patient information, and prioritise follow-up during outbreaks and disasters. Child Protection Call: Save the Children Fiji says child sexual violence must be treated as a national crisis, calling for stronger prevention, protection, justice and child-friendly healthcare support. Animal Health Preparedness: Fiji trained 26 para-vets to strengthen early detection and biosecurity against animal disease threats. GBV and Men’s Role: Fiji’s GBV prevalence is highlighted as calls grow for men, churches and communities to help break cycles of violence. Cervical Cancer Prevention: The HPV Screen and Treat Programme is rolling out in Fiji’s Western Division, offering same-day results and treatment for eligible women. COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 274 new COVID-19 cases and warned another wave may arrive in 4–5 days.

Mental Health & Servicewomen: Fiji’s Women and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran says servicewomen can’t be expected to protect others without strong psychological support, pointing to trauma, harassment, domestic violence and family pressures as key risks. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Deaths linked to RHD in Fiji are rising (about 60 to 71 a year), but screening is expanding—over 13,000 people screened using handheld echo in schools and antenatal clinics—while officials urge early care and better follow-up to prevent lifelong heart damage. GBV Prevention: Fiji’s national GBV prevalence is reported at 64%, prompting renewed calls for men, churches and communities to help prevent violence and challenge harmful gender roles. COVID-19 Update: Fiji recorded 274 new COVID-19 cases and Health officials warn a more severe next wave could arrive in 4–5 days, urging masks, distancing and handwashing. Maternal & Child Health Digital Push: PATISPlus is being rolled out to maternal and child clinics to track high-risk pregnancies, share patient info across care stages, and prioritise vulnerable mothers and children during outbreaks and disasters. Cervical Cancer Screening: The HPV Screen and Treat Programme begins in Fiji’s Western Division, offering same-day results and treatment for eligible women aged 30–59. Substance Use Concern: A meth consumption spike is reported in the region, with Fiji-linked discussions highlighting the need for stronger youth-focused prevention and awareness. Nutrition for Healthy Ageing: Research among older Fijians finds many eat too many carbohydrates and fats but not enough protein, with experts urging more protein-rich foods to support muscle and healthy ageing.

COVID-19 Update: Fiji recorded 274 new COVID-19 cases, with Health officials warning the next wave could hit in 4–5 days and may be the most severe yet, urging masks, distancing and handwashing. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): The Health Ministry says RHD remains a serious threat, stressing early detection after throat infections and calling for stronger echocardiography services and ongoing treatment. Heart Health Awareness: Cardiologists urged Fijians not to “wait for chest pain to worsen,” noting earlier care can mean less invasive options and warning about lifestyle risks. Maternal & Child Care Tech: Fiji clinics are rolling out PATISPlus, a digital system to track high-risk pregnancies, connect patient info across care stages, and improve follow-up during outbreaks and disasters. Cervical Cancer Screening: Western Division begins HPV Screen and Treat, offering same-day results and treatment for eligible women aged 30–59. Nutrition for Healthy Ageing: Research among older Fijians found high carbs and fats but low protein intake, with experts urging more protein-rich foods to support muscle and healthy ageing. Community Health Funding: The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raised $341,015.75 gross, with plans to support Labasa Hospital with cardiac monitors and other equipment. Ocean & Health Link: Paddle for Hope continues around Viti Levu, promoting cleaner oceans and warning that single-use plastics can enter the food chain and affect wellbeing.

Maternal Care Upgrade: Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with JICA ResPACT, has started rolling out PATISPlus to maternal and child health clinics, training 18 nurses in Suva so high-risk pregnancies and vulnerable mothers can be tracked and followed up across pregnancy, delivery and postnatal care—then expanded to pilot sites in the Northern, Western and Eastern Divisions. Cervical Cancer Prevention: The Western Division begins HPV Screen and Treat in Lautoka (Sept 7) and Nadi (Sept 9), offering private, same-day results and treatment for eligible women aged 30–59. Heart Health Warning: Cardiologists urge Fijians not to wait for worsening chest pain, highlighting emergency heart attack care options and lifestyle risks as World Heart Month continues. Rheumatic Heart Disease Update: A new Fiji RHD report says 4,984 people are living with rheumatic heart disease, with children aged 5–15 most affected, and calls for stronger early diagnosis and ongoing prevention treatment. Infectious Disease Alert: The Health Ministry reports an early rise in influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections, advising precautions, staying home when sick, and seeking care if symptoms worsen. Community Health Campaign: Paddle for Hope continues around Viti Levu, linking ocean protection with healthier communities and pushing communities to cut single-use plastics. Global Heart Surgery Support: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji launches a paediatric cardiac surgical mission with specialists from Singapore, Australia and India to perform complex procedures for children across Fiji and the Pacific.

Heart Health Push: Cardiologists are urging Fijians not to wait for severe chest pain, warning that delays can mean more heart damage and fewer treatment options; World Heart Month is being marked with messages on early care and faster emergency response. Rheumatic Heart Disease Update: A new Fiji Rheumatic Heart Disease Support Programme report says 4,984 people were living with RHD as of July last year, with children aged 5–15 most affected and deaths rising since 2015—health officials stress early detection, echocardiography, and better follow-up treatment. Specialist Care for Kids: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji has launched a paediatric cardiac surgical mission with experts from Singapore, Australia and India, aiming to expand access to life-saving procedures across Fiji and the Pacific. Influenza Warning: Fiji’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections are rising earlier than last year, with lab testing confirming increased seasonal flu activity—people are advised to stay home when sick and seek care if symptoms worsen. Nutrition for Healthy Ageing: Research with UNSW and FNU finds many older Fijians in the Central Division eat too many carbs and fats but not enough protein, highlighting the need for protein-rich foods to support muscle and healthy ageing. Scabies Gains: Fiji’s scabies prevalence nearly halved after a 2022 mass drug administration campaign, with officials stressing that scabies is not linked to poor hygiene and that health systems must sustain the gains.

Heart Health Warnings: Cardiologists in Fiji are urging people not to wait until chest pain becomes unbearable, saying early treatment can mean less invasive options like angioplasty or stenting, as World Heart Month continues under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat.” Rheumatic Heart Disease Update: New figures show 4,984 Fijians are living with rheumatic heart disease, with children aged 5–15 most affected and deaths averaging 71 a year; health officials stress early detection, echocardiography, and better follow-up to prevent lifelong valve damage. Global Heart Care in Fiji: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital has launched a paediatric cardiac surgical mission bringing specialists from Singapore, Australia and India to perform complex procedures and support local teams. Influenza Rising: Fiji’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections have increased earlier than last year, with lab testing confirming higher seasonal influenza activity—prompting advice to stay home when sick and seek care if symptoms worsen. Nutrition for Healthy Ageing: Research presented at FNU found many older Fijians are eating too little protein, with diets heavy in carbohydrates and fats—highlighting the need for more protein-rich foods to support muscle and healthy ageing. Scabies Control Gains: Fiji’s scabies prevalence nearly halved after a 2022 mass drug administration campaign, with officials noting scabies isn’t linked to poor hygiene and calling for sustained health system support.

World Heart Month (Fiji): Cardiologists are urging Fijians not to “wait for chest pain to worsen,” warning delayed care can mean more heart damage and fewer treatment options. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD): A new Fiji RHD Support Programme report says 4,984 people were living with rheumatic heart disease as of July last year, with children aged 5–15 most affected and deaths averaging 71 a year. Global heart care in Fiji: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital launched a new paediatric cardiac surgical mission with specialists from Singapore, Australia and India, while global experts also joined Fiji doctors for free heart surgeries. Influenza warning: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infections, advising people to stay home when sick and seek care for severe symptoms. Scabies control success: Fiji’s national mass drug campaign helped nearly halve scabies prevalence, dropping from 6.2% to 3.4%. Access to prosthetics: About 650 Fijians are set to receive free, custom artificial limbs via India’s Jaipur Foot initiative, with camps planned in Suva, Nadi and Labasa. GBV as a public health issue: Fiji National University is calling for a rethink of the national gender-based violence response, saying decades of spending and laws haven’t reduced prevalence.

Influenza Alert: Fiji’s Health Ministry says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections have risen sharply over the past three weeks, with lab testing confirming more seasonal flu activity—earlier than last year—urging people to stay home when sick, boost hygiene, and seek care for severe symptoms. Rheumatic Heart Disease Watch: New figures warn that about 1 in 50 Fijian children may have rheumatic heart disease, with parents urged to spot early signs like sore throats or skin sores and push for screening and follow-up. Heart Care Expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji’s first biplane catheterisation lab, aiming to reduce the need for open-heart surgery for some patients. Prison Health Upgrade: Fiji Corrections is digitising inmates’ medical records through PATIS to improve continuity of care amid rising HIV, non-communicable diseases, mental health needs and terminal illnesses. GBV Focus: Fiji’s GBV response is being challenged as violence remains high despite years of spending, with calls to bring perpetrators into solutions and strengthen community and vanua involvement. Climate & Health: Leaders at a health research symposium warned climate change is already threatening Fiji’s health facilities and disease patterns, stressing research-to-policy action and regional cooperation. School Meals & Nutrition: A proposed home-grown school meals policy could add up to $25m a year for local farmers while improving children’s nutrition and helping tackle NCD risk.

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Fiji health authorities say as many as 1 in 50 children may have rheumatic heart disease, urging early detection because it can develop silently and lead to lifelong valve damage; a new RHD support programme report highlights screening in schools and antenatal services, with an estimated 71 RHD deaths a year and about $18m in annual costs. Flu alert: The Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illness and confirmed seasonal flu cases, with calls to stay home when sick, boost hygiene, and seek care urgently for severe symptoms. Heart care expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji and the South Pacific’s first biplane catheterisation lab. Prison health digitised: Fiji Corrections Service is rolling out PATIS, an electronic medical record system, as it faces HIV and growing non-communicable disease and mental health burdens. GBV response under pressure: Despite more than $140m spent since 2016, gender-based violence remains high, with calls to involve perpetrators and break the culture of silence. Diabetes surge in Labasa: Labasa Divisional Hospital reports diabetes-related amputations are climbing, urging youth to tackle risk factors early. School meals push: A proposed home-grown school meals policy could add $25m a year for local farmers while improving children’s nutrition. Food safety checks: The Consumer Council is stepping up monitoring of school canteens for safe, healthy food and fair pricing. Climate-health link: Fiji’s health facilities face growing climate risks, with leaders urging research to translate into practical upgrades and staffing. Legal accountability: Fiji’s Supreme Court orders FBC to pay $150,000 to a doctor over a 2016 defamatory publication.

Climate & Health Risk: Fiji’s health infrastructure is under growing pressure from climate change, including facility damage, saltwater intrusion and shifting vector-borne disease patterns, with leaders urging research to be translated into real policy and investment. Cardiac Care Expansion: Sai Prema’s Sanjeevani Heart Hospital will start offering cardiovascular procedures to adults this month after installing Fiji and the South Pacific’s first biplane catheterisation lab. Free Pediatric Heart Surgeries: An international pediatric cardiac mission is delivering free life-saving heart operations in Suva, building local capacity alongside Fiji’s Ministry of Health. Flu/ARI Pressure on Services: Nearly 6,000 acute respiratory illness cases have been recorded, with health facilities still packed and officials urging early care and basic precautions. Diabetes Alarm in Labasa: Diabetes-related amputations at Labasa Divisional Hospital have surged to 116 in seven months, highlighting rising NCD risk. STI in Pregnancy: A FRESH pilot study reports very high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women and notes many infections are symptom-free, raising the need for stronger testing and prevention. Prison HIV Tracking: Fiji corrections facilities report 206 confirmed HIV cases, with a new patient information system aimed at improving disease management and continuity of care. Food Affordability for Kids: The Consumer Council says healthier school meals are still out of reach for many families, pushing for affordable, accessible healthy food environments. World Heart Month Stats: Fiji’s Ministry highlights that most adults have at least one major NCD risk factor, including high blood sugar, tobacco use and excess salt.

Flu and ARI pressure: Fiji has recorded nearly 6,000 acute respiratory illness cases, with facilities reporting heavy patient loads despite a slight weekly decline; officials urge early care for trouble breathing, persistent high fever and worsening symptoms. Diabetes crisis in the North: Labasa Divisional Hospital logged 116 diabetes-related amputations in the first seven months, nearing last year’s total and highlighting growing NCD risk. School food checks and affordability: The Consumer Council is stepping up inspections of school canteens, while separate reporting warns healthy food is still too expensive for many families—fueling calls for home-grown school meals pilots and better food environments. Prison health data upgrade: Fiji Corrections Service has launched PATIS, a digital Patient Information System to track inmate health needs, medicines and referrals, with confidentiality stressed. HIV in corrections and beyond: Corrections facilities report 206 confirmed HIV cases, and civil society groups are pushing for HIV to be included on the Pacific Islands Forum health agenda. STI concern in pregnancy: A Fiji pilot study found high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women and many asymptomatic infections, raising the need for stronger testing and prevention. Heart care access: An international team is delivering free paediatric heart surgeries in Fiji, aiming to reduce financial barriers to life-saving treatment.

STI warning in pregnancy and youth: A FRESH pilot study in Viti Levu found very high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates, with most infections showing no symptoms—raising risks for partners and babies and pointing to a need for stronger testing and treatment. Flu surge: Fiji has recorded more than 5,000 flu-like cases, with the Health Minister urging early care and basic prevention like staying warm and drinking fluids. Heart health push: World Heart Month messaging highlights how hidden risk factors drive heart disease, with Fiji’s STEPS survey showing high rates of raised blood sugar, diabetes, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, and excessive salt intake. Free paediatric heart surgery: An international cardiac team is in Fiji for free life-saving procedures, working with local staff to boost regional capacity. Prison health goes digital: PATIS and PATISPlus are being rolled out to improve correctional health data, continuity of care, and planning—while stressing strict confidentiality. School meals and obesity focus: A proposed $2.2m for home-grown school meal pilots aims to boost daily vegetables and support the fight against childhood overweight and NCD risk. Cost of living hits food: Inflation rose to 7.6% in August, driven by higher food prices, including bread, dairy, eggs, vegetables and cooking oils. Salt intake concern: Fiji’s salt consumption averages about 10g a day—double WHO guidance—prompting discussion of potassium-enriched salt and better food labelling. Drug trafficking crackdown: Australia is set to announce major new funding for Pacific surveillance and police coordination to tackle rising meth and cocaine smuggling. Floods and health risk: Flood-prep stories from Nadi show how communities act early, while wider disaster coverage warns overcrowding and lack of clean water can fuel disease. Sewer overflow reminder: WAF says a clothing-related blockage caused a sewage overflow at Sekoula Place, urging proper disposal to prevent public health and environmental risks. Pacific security health link: A report flags Fiji’s meth and HIV crises as a combined public health emergency driven by intravenous drug use. Overseas medical treatment: Cabinet approved overseas treatment for 18 patients at about $800,000 tala, with most receiving care in Fiji.

Digital Health Upgrade: Fiji Corrections Service has launched PATISPlus, a new digital patient information system to connect prison healthcare with the national health system, aiming to improve continuity of care for people in custody and after release, including for TB, HIV, diabetes, hypertension and mental health. HIV Response Update: Fiji is also preparing a major Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey to replace planning estimates with validated data on key populations, HIV prevalence and behaviours driving transmission—so prevention and treatment targets can be measured properly. NCD & Nutrition Push: The Home-Grown School Meals Policy brief is set to boost access to nutritious local food to help tackle Fiji’s growing NCD burden, while a new survey is mapping food environments linked to rising childhood overweight and obesity. Cardiovascular Risk Alert: Fijians are consuming about 10g of salt daily—double the WHO recommendation—prompting calls to consider potassium-enriched salt and stronger food labelling. Public Health & Safety: Water Authority of Fiji says a sewer overflow at Sekoula Place was caused by clothing dumped into the wastewater network, warning residents that foreign materials can trigger blockages and health risks. Regional Health Lessons: Fiji’s Deputy PM urged Pacific neighbours to learn from Fiji’s HIV experience, stressing the value of sharing research and surveillance early.

HIV Care Gap in Focus: Fiji is diagnosing people with HIV faster than it can keep them on treatment, with the share on antiretroviral therapy dropping from over 98% before 2021 to about 56%, and viral suppression still not reliably measured nationwide as viral-load systems and patient identifiers are scaled up. HIV Outbreak Planning Gets a Reality Check: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is preparing a major Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey to validate the true size of key populations, HIV prevalence, and behaviours driving transmission—so prevention and PrEP needs are based on data, not assumptions. Regional Health Learning: Fiji’s Deputy PM urged Pacific neighbours to learn from Fiji’s HIV crisis at the 2026 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium, stressing cross-border research and shared surveillance as people move for work, study and medical referrals. Diabetes Foot Care Shortfall: A Diabetes Fiji audit found Central Division health facilities lacked diabetic foot care equipment, but Australian Aid support has since funded training and distributed toolkits and sterilisation gear. Wellness Tourism Standards: Fiji is using the CIDESCO World Congress in Nadi to lift spa and beauty service standards with internationally recognised training tied to health and safety. Maternal Mental Health Support: A Fijian advocate’s “Mama Talanoa” safe space has grown to 500+ Pacific mothers, tackling stigma and isolation around postpartum mental health. Menopause Conversation Push (Cook Islands): Women in the Cook Islands are calling for more open discussion and better local support as limited services leave many navigating menopause alone. Injury Treatment Update (Lautoka man): A mechanic told amputation was the only option in Lautoka has had his limb saved after second-opinion surgeries at PSH Hospitals in Nadi, with further rehabilitation expected.

Pacific Health Policy Link: Fiji says it will table findings from the 2026 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium in Cabinet, aiming to turn research into faster, practical health decisions. Diabetes Care Gap: A Diabetes Fiji audit found Central Division facilities lack diabetic foot care equipment, but toolkits and training have already started being rolled out with Australian Aid support. Limb-Saving Treatment: A Lautoka mechanic facing possible amputation received advanced orthopaedic care in Nadi, with doctors reporting renewed hope after a second opinion. Wellness Tourism Boost: Fiji is using the CIDESCO World Congress in Nadi to lift standards in spa and beauty services, linking wellness tourism with local products. Ageing Support: Fiji is pushing for age-inclusive national development, highlighting services for older people and work on an Older Persons Act. Community Health & Safety: Government announces a $200 fine for littering, pairing penalties with calls for better waste sorting at source. Regional Summit Context: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is underway with understrength attendance, while health and security remain on the agenda.