AGP Executive Report

Community Health & Access: HEAL International ran its first medical camp in Labasa (Aug 21–22), offering eye exams and free glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, women’s health education, and physiotherapy/occupational therapy consults—150 children and 257 adults were seen, with 1 in 6 needing prescription glasses. Public Health Support: A new Women’s Safe Shelter opened in Lautoka, providing emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, case management and referrals for women and girls escaping gender-based violence. Local Health Upgrades: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in community and business-backed upgrades, including a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment. Care That Saves Limbs: A Lautoka man facing amputation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident got a second opinion at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, where surgeons performed multiple procedures and avoided amputation. Prevention & Awareness: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival begins today in Labasa under “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North,” aiming to raise $340k–$350k for an ENT centre and key medical equipment, while contestants also push anti-drug messaging. Wellness & Skills: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build renewable energy skills for Fiji and the Pacific, linking energy security to health and development. Senior Care: Senior Citizens Day at the Hibiscus Festival is set for Sept 1 in Suva, with free medical check-ups, meals and activities. Health Education: A school-based survey found HIV and drug awareness gaps among Fijian students, with misconceptions still present.

Community Health Support: Sigatoka Hospital received about $130,000 in upgrades through community, business and tourism-sector partnerships, including a renovated mortuary and new advanced X-ray equipment commissioned by the Health Minister. Mobile Care Access: HEAL International ran its first Fiji medical camp in Labasa, delivering eye exams and glasses, health check-ups, CPR training, women’s health education, and physiotherapy/occupational therapy consults—finding many needed glasses and that non-communicable conditions may be under-managed. Second Opinion Saves Limb: A Lautoka man facing amputation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident was transferred to Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospitals in Nadi, where surgeons performed multiple procedures and said the leg is no longer at amputation risk. Women’s Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter opened in Lautoka, offering confidential emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling and referrals for survivors of gender-based violence. Prevention & Awareness: A school-based pilot survey by Medical Services Pacific found HIV and drug awareness gaps still exist, with misconceptions and stigma knowledge needing strengthening. Healthy Youth Fundraiser: The Vodafone Friendly North Festival begins today in Labasa under “Healthy Youth, Wealthy North,” aiming to raise $340,000–$350,000 for an ENT centre and key medical equipment.

Women’s Health & Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka has opened to support women and girls escaping gender-based violence, offering emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, case management and referrals to health and legal services, with the shelter’s location kept confidential. Maternal Care: CWM Maternity Hospital says its sterilizer equipment has been down since last week; staff are using another sterilizer while repairs continue, with a larger sterilizer expected to be operational before year-end. HIV & Drug Education: A school-based pilot survey by Medical Services Pacific found HIV awareness is low-to-middling (about half of students), with remaining misconceptions on stigma, treatment and safe sex, alongside gaps in drug awareness. Consumer Safety: The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning parents about “squishy toys,” citing international recalls over chemical burns, toxic exposure and choking risks, and noting many local products lack safety information. Community Health Access: Free medical camps are bringing care closer to communities, while Senior Citizens Day at Hibiscus Festival will include free check-ups and meals for elders. Workforce Health: Samoan seasonal workers in Australia/NZ are raising concerns about unexplained deductions and unsafe accommodation conditions, including overcrowding and shared facilities.

Workplace Rights: Samoan seasonal workers in Australia and New Zealand’s schemes raised concerns in Port Vila about unexplained accommodation deductions, overcrowding, and charges for bedding and shared facilities, urging clearer documents and stronger action. Maternal Health: CWM Maternity Hospital’s sterilizer equipment is down again, with staff using an alternative sterilizer while repairs for a larger unit continue, raising worries for safe turnaround times. HIV & Drugs Education: Medical Services Pacific’s school survey shows only about half of students know HIV basics, with persistent misconceptions and stigma gaps, while educators say sex education remains taboo—blocking stronger HIV and drug awareness. Community Health & Safety: Consumer Council of Fiji warns parents about “squishy” gel toys, citing international recalls over chemical burns, toxic exposure, and choking risks, plus local products lacking safety info. Water Quality Alarm: Residents in Labasa’s Qawa River area report dead fish, stench, and declining crab and fish numbers, linking the issue to wastewater during crushing season and calling for urgent investigation. Renewable Skills: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build solar and clean-energy technician capacity across Fiji and the Pacific. Senior Support: Hibiscus Festival 2026 will host a free Senior Citizens Day with medical check-ups and services at Suva Civic Centre on Sept 1.

HIV & drugs education: Medical Services Pacific’s school survey shows only about half of students initially knew about HIV, with persistent misconceptions and stigma gaps—especially around safe sex, treatment and stigma—highlighting the need for stronger, age-appropriate education. Maternal care safety: CWM Maternity Hospital’s sterilizer has been down since last week; staff are using another unit while repairs continue, with a larger sterilizer expected to be operational before year-end. Water quality & health: Communities along the Qawa River in Labasa report dead fish, strong stench and worsening fish/crab numbers, urging urgent investigation into possible mill wastewater impacts. Sex education taboo: Educators say cultural sensitivities keep sex education from being openly discussed, creating barriers to HIV and drug awareness, and they’re calling for safer, parent-involved conversations. Community health access: Free medical check-ups and services are planned for Senior Citizens Day at Suva Civic Centre on Sept 1 as part of Hibiscus Festival 2026. Renewables for health systems: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build solar and clean-energy skills—aimed at supporting resilient services like hospitals and schools.

Hospital Safety Watch: CWM Maternity Hospital’s sterilizer has been down since last week, with staff using another unit but reporting slow turnaround while a larger sterilizer is being installed for operation before year-end. HIV & Youth Education: Educators and health groups warn sex education remains taboo in many communities, leaving gaps in HIV and drug awareness; a Medical Services Pacific survey also found students as young as 10 lack accurate sexual health information. Community Health Access: Sai MediCare Camps are bringing free medical, dental, eye and allied health services to Nadi and other areas, with screenings including blood tests, diabetes checks and specialist clinics. Water Quality Concerns: Residents near Labasa’s Qawa River report dead fish, stench and possible mill wastewater impacts, saying people are even feeling sick. Public Health Promotion: Japan’s Taiso exercise programme has been launched in Fiji as a simple, inclusive way to tackle rising NCDs linked to inactivity. Aging Support: Fiji is reviewing how it supports its growing ageing population, saying family care alone can’t carry the load and calling for stronger formal health and social protection systems.

Brain Injury Recovery: Melbourne Storm’s Eliesa Katoa says he’s been cleared to start wrestling and tackle training as he charts a return after a serious brain bleed injury. Community Health & Water Safety: Qawa River residents in Labasa report dead fish, foul smells and possible mill wastewater impacts, calling for urgent investigation. Sexual Health Education: Fiji educators warn sex education remains taboo in many communities, leaving gaps in HIV and drug awareness for students as young as 10. Free Care in the West: Sai MediCare Camps delivered free medical, dental, eye and allied health services across multiple locations, including blood tests and diabetes screening. HIV & Harm Reduction Focus: A Fiji Ministry of Health counsellor living with HIV urges wider access to harm-reduction, prevention and treatment—saying responses must centre real people, not labels. School Drug Concerns: Fiji Teachers Union flags rising drug-related cases in schools and calls for earlier awareness, more trained counsellors and stronger links between health, education and police. NCD Prevention: Japan’s Taiso exercise programme launches in Fiji as a simple, inclusive way to tackle physical inactivity driving diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Ageing Policy Push: Fiji begins work on a National Ageing Policy as the 60-plus population grows, stressing health, social protection and whole-of-government support. Food Security & Nutrition: Fiji exports its first pilot produce shipment to Naoero under the Pacific Fresh AirLink initiative, supporting farmers and regional supply.

Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu ordered senior managers to speed up responses to parliamentary questions, media requests and public complaints, aiming to clear administrative backlogs and improve transparency under the National Health Strategic Plan. HIV & Youth Support: A Fiji Ministry of Health counsellor living with HIV urged more access to harm-reduction, prevention, treatment and support, while Medical Services Pacific reports gaps in students’ HIV testing, treatment knowledge and referral pathways—despite reaching 1,600 learners through a year-long HIV and drug awareness push. Sexual Health Education Gaps: A baseline survey found many students lack accurate information on HIV and drug risks, renewing calls to strengthen Family Life Education and train teachers to deliver age-appropriate, practical guidance. Community Care Camps: Sai MediCare Camps brought free medical, dental, eye and allied health services to Nadi and other areas, with screenings including blood tests, diabetes checks and specialist clinics. NCD Prevention via Exercise: Japan’s Taiso programme was introduced in Fiji as an accessible public health tool to tackle physical inactivity linked to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Ageing Population Planning: Fiji is reviewing support for people aged 60-plus, with a new National Ageing Policy expected to address health, social protection and formal care systems. Climate & Health Link: Fiji says COP31 must put the ocean at the centre of climate action, stressing direct impacts on fisheries, reefs and community health. Outbreak Readiness: Pacific health experts highlight stronger local outbreak detection and response, using simple targets like 7-1-7 to speed early action.

HIV & Youth Education: Fiji’s HIV situation is worsening, with the Health Minister telling Parliament the country is now in a generalised epidemic and could have up to 12,000 people living with HIV, while new infections remain high; at the same time, school-focused programmes are flagging gaps—Medical Services Pacific says many students still lack accurate knowledge on HIV testing, treatment and support, and calls for stronger Family Life Education, better teacher training, and clear referral pathways. School Drug Response: The Fiji Teachers Union warns that 3,143 drug-related student cases in 2025 (including 1,508 primary pupils) is a serious warning, urging early prevention, more counsellors, and closer health and police collaboration rather than leaving teachers to manage alone. Health System Accountability: The Health Minister has ordered faster response times and cleared administrative backlogs across the Ministry, including quicker replies to public requests, media and parliamentary questions. Climate & Health Risks: Vanua Levu communities report climate-driven impacts on crops, fish stocks, water and livelihoods—pressures that can quickly translate into health and nutrition concerns. Ageing Support Planning: Government is reviewing how Fiji supports its growing 60-plus population, with a new National Ageing Policy aimed at strengthening health, social protection and opportunities for older people to stay active. Access to Care: Sai MediCare Camps are delivering free specialist services across the Western Division, including screenings, dental and eye care, and specialist consultations.

HIV Crisis in Focus: Fiji’s Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament the country is in a generalized HIV epidemic, with UNAIDS estimates suggesting about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 and possibly up to 12,000, plus 1,700 new infections last year—while stressing Fiji has not yet reached the “turning point.” Youth Drug Prevention: The Fiji Teachers Union says 3,143 drug-related cases involving students were recorded in schools in 2025 (including 1,508 primary pupils), urging a stronger national strategy focused on early awareness, more school counsellors, and tighter collaboration between Education, Health and Police. School HIV & Drug Awareness: Medical Services Pacific reports reaching 1,600+ students through Na Bula E Dua across six schools, but highlights gaps in HIV testing, treatment access, referral pathways and stigma—calling for stronger Family Life Education and better teacher training. Free Specialist Care: Sai MediCare Camps are delivering free specialist medical, dental, eye-care and allied health services across six Western communities this week, including screenings, diagnostics and some free medication. Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu ordered senior managers to speed up responses and clear administrative backlogs, citing delays to parliamentary questions, media inquiries and public requests. Ageing Policy Push: Fiji is preparing for a rapidly ageing population, with over 90,000 people now aged 60+, and government moving toward a National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 covering health, aged care, transport, housing, long-term support and climate resilience. Water Safety Concern: Rakiraki residents in Ellington Settlement say contaminated water risks rise during heavy rain and flooding, and are asking WAF to extend the water network for more reliable clean supply.

HIV Crisis Update: Fiji’s Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament the country is in a generalised HIV epidemic, with UNAIDS estimates of about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 and possibly up to 12,000, plus 1,700 new infections last year; he said Fiji has not yet reached the “turning point,” even as testing and treatment numbers rise. Treatment Gap: Another Ministry response highlights a widening gap between diagnosis and care, with only 56% of diagnosed people starting treatment in 2025, and officials pointing to same-day treatment and active support to keep people in care. Community & Stigma Focus: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran met UNAIDS to push stigma reduction and better access to support, including culturally appropriate HIV messages and stronger outreach beyond Suva. Free Specialist Care: Sai MediCare Camps are delivering free specialist medical, dental, eye-care and allied health services across Western communities this week, including screenings, tests and prescribed medicines where needed. Water Safety Concern: Rakiraki residents in Ellington Settlement are urging the Water Authority of Fiji to extend pipes after repeated disruptions and contamination risks during heavy rain and flooding. Street Outreach: The Ministry says it has identified and assisted more than 80 people living on the streets across Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa, including medical referrals and reintegration or care placements. Youth Drugs in Schools: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reports low reported drug-related cases in schools over three years and says there have been no methamphetamine cases reported, while counselling hubs are credited with improving reporting.

HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV treatment gap is widening, with only 56% of diagnosed people starting treatment in 2025, down from 98% in 2021, as the Ministry pushes same-day treatment and stronger community-led outreach to keep people in care. HIV Awareness & Stigma: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran met UNAIDS’s Eamonn Murphy to reduce discrimination and expand culturally simple HIV messages in Fiji’s major languages, with extra focus beyond Suva in Nadi and Lautoka. Hidden HIV Risk: Health officials warn thousands may be living with HIV without knowing their status, as injecting drug use drives transmission and Fiji recorded 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025. Street Outreach & Care: Government operations identified and assisted 80+ people living on the streets across Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa, including medical interventions, reintegration support, and care orders for youths. Child Protection in Schools: Fiji’s Human Rights Commissioner says children affected by drugs shouldn’t be labelled “problem students” and calls for prevention, safeguarding and inclusive education starting in primary schools. Drug Trend in Youth: Police warn methamphetamine is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, and teachers are urged to spot early warning signs for intervention. Eye Health Camp: A free health camp in Labasa found children with vision problems and provided free prescription glasses, with follow-up planned in 6–12 months. Cardiovascular Health: A cardiologist says cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s main killer, urging lifestyle changes away from high-salt, canned and fried foods. Health Workforce: Fiji plans for 242 new doctors through its public health pipeline—121 completing internships by July 2027 and 121 interns starting in January 2027. Medical Emergency Aftermath: The Lakeba medical team rescued from Lau’s open waters says there’s no budget for compensation, but recovery support continues.

Street Health & Reintegration: Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Ministry says more than 80 people were assisted through street outreach across Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Raiwaqa, with 75% in Lautoka aged 15–35; seniors were helped to return home or placed in aged care, and youths were moved into care, school or vocational support. HIV Response Urgency: Fiji is moving faster on diagnosis than on treatment and retention, with only 56% of diagnosed people starting treatment in 2025; officials warn thousands may be living with HIV without knowing their status, as stigma-reduction and community-linked support are pushed with UNAIDS. Youth Drug Prevention: Opposition MP Virendra Lal calls for stronger early prevention to stop children and young people reaching rehabilitation, urging action in schools, homes and communities. El Niño Health Prep: Global reporting warns a potentially record-strength El Niño could bring major health impacts, from heat stress to food and water disruption. Medical Capacity Boost: Government plans for 242 new doctors entering the public system pipeline—121 completing internships by July 2027 and 121 starting in January 2027. Eye Care Access: A free camp in Labasa found previously undiagnosed vision problems in children and provided free prescription glasses. Hospital Care & Oral Health: Implantology conference in Suva highlights new dental implant units and CBCT diagnostics at CWM Hospital. Drug Trends in Schools: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reports low drug-related cases in schools and says there were no reported methamphetamine cases in schools. Cardiovascular Warning: A cardiologist says cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s main killer and urges lifestyle changes.

HIV Response Under Pressure: Fiji’s Ministry says the gap between diagnosing HIV and starting treatment remains wide, with only 56% of diagnosed people on treatment in 2025, and officials stressing same-day treatment plus active support to keep people in care. Stigma-Focused Outreach: Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran met UNAIDS to push culturally simple HIV messages in Fiji’s major languages and reduce discrimination, especially outside Suva. Rising Epidemic Warnings: Health leaders warn thousands may be living with HIV without knowing their status, with UNAIDS projections pointing to about 25,000 cases by 2030 if new actions don’t scale up. School Health & Safety: A free eye camp in Labasa gave children free glasses after vision issues were found, while the Education Ministry reports low drug-related cases in schools and says there were no meth cases reported. Workforce Boost: Fiji plans for 242 new doctors and interns entering the public health pipeline, with 121 doctors completing internships by July 2027 and another 121 interns starting in January 2027. Street Outreach: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is running multi-agency operations in urban centres to reintegrate people sleeping or begging on the streets, including medical referrals and youth support. Tourism Tax Uncertainty: Fiji’s hotel and tourism sector says it still lacks clear guidance on the new 5% Tourism Services Tax, with concerns it could hit smaller operators hard.

HIV Care Gap: Fiji’s Health Minister says only 56% of diagnosed people started treatment in 2025, down from over 98% in 2021, as the country moves deeper into a generalised HIV epidemic; he points to same-day treatment and stronger support to keep people in care. HIV Numbers Rising: New estimates suggest about 9,000 people may be living with HIV but not yet reached by services, with 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 and around 1,700 new infections reported—warning Fiji hasn’t hit the “turning point” yet. Street Outreach Boost: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is stepping up multi-agency street outreach in Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa, linking people to care, family reunification, aged-care and youth support. School Drug Alerts: Education figures show drug-related cases in schools remain low (under 2%), with no reported methamphetamine use in schools, while counselling hubs are credited for more formal reporting. Cardiovascular Health: A Pacific specialist cardiologist warns cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s main killer, urging lifestyle changes away from high-salt, canned and fried foods. Workforce Pipeline: Fiji expects 121 new doctors to finish internships by July 2027 and another 121 interns to start in January 2027, as the public system plans staffing needs. Oral Health Upgrade: The Pasifika Implantology Conference in Suva delivered five dental implant units and a CBCT imaging system at CWM Hospital, boosting advanced diagnostics. Meth Threat Shifts: Police say meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, and warn teachers to spot early warning signs as youth drug-related mental health cases rise.

Street Health Support: Fiji’s Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is running multi-agency operations in Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa to help people living on streets and begging—focusing on family breakdown, neglect, addiction and other root causes, with medical referrals and aged-care placements for senior citizens. School Drug Snapshot: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says less than 2% of students were in reported drug-related cases over three years, and there have been no reported methamphetamine use in schools; counselling hubs are credited with improving reporting. New Drug Warning: Police warn meth is increasingly showing up as coloured pressed pills, and youth are being exposed to multiple substances; teachers are urged to spot early warning signs. HIV Alarm: Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says Fiji is now in a generalised HIV epidemic, with about 9,100 people living with HIV in 2025 (possibly up to 12,000) and new infections still rising—while authorities expand testing, treatment and prevention including PrEP. Cardiovascular Push: A cardiologist says cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s biggest killer and urges lifestyle changes away from canned, preserved and fried foods. Workforce Update: Fiji expects 121 new doctors to finish internships by July 2027 and another 121 interns to start in January 2027. Oral Health Upgrade: The Pasifika Implantology Conference reports five dental implant units placed at CWM Hospital and a new CBCT imaging system installed. Community Health Access: Drug World Fiji highlights healthcare gaps for outer-island communities, calling for faster outreach and stronger grassroots involvement.