Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
THURSDAYS IN BLACK | Close the gaps | UN calls on Fiji to reform laws and protect women
The Fiji Times
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July 17, 2025
Fiji must urgently overhaul its laws and institutions to better protect women – especially rural, iTaukei, disabled and LGBTQI women – according to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In a...
‘Increased funding insufficient to fix faltering health system’
The Fiji Times
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July 17, 2025
Serious concerns have been raised in the House about the state of Fiji’s public health system, with a warning that increased funding alone would not solve deep-rooted operational failures. The issues were raised by Opposition MP Virendra Lal, who...
Kiwi travellers urged to prioritise health insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific
Pacific Media Network
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Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting...
Fiji’s drug crisis now a national emergency, says Police Minister
Pacific Media Network
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Fiji’s escalating drug crisis is now a national emergency, says the Minister for Police Major General Iowane Naivalurua, as the country looks beyond its borders for help. Speaking in the Fijian Parliament yesterday, Naivalurua says illicit drug...
“No one deserves this” — Ketan Lal breaks down after visiting Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in hospital
The Fiji Times
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July 16, 2025
Opposition MP Ketan Lal has described as “heart-wrenching scene” seeing the former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in hospital. Mr Lal posted on social media that he visited the former politician yesterday. “I could not hold back my tears,”...
CWM Hospital kitchen works nearly complete: Dr Lalabalavu
FBC News
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July 16, 2025
[Source: @CompainJudy / X] Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has defended the ongoing upgrade works at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital kitchen, following recent criticism. This comes after International Women’s Association President Judy...
Lifting advertising restrictions will enable medical conferences in NZ - David Seymour
RNZ
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July 16, 2025
David Seymour says two of Australasia's largest medical conferences will come to New Zealand next year. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii Associate Health Minister David Seymour says medical conferences can happen in New Zealand now, because the...
Electrical Upgrade at Navua Hospital Uncovers Structural flaws
Fiji Sun
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July 16, 2025
Mr Ravunawa stressed the Government's resolve to tackle the issue head-on. The Chinese-funded Navua Hospital. Photo: Ronald Kumar A routine electrical upgrade at Navua Hospital has uncovered serious structural and compliance failures, prompting...
How Rising Temperatures Are Raising the Bar for Beauty and Wellness
WWD - New York
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July 15, 2025
Beauty and wellness are feeling the heat and responding accordingly. With high temperatures continuing to progress, companies are becoming more innovative to meet consumer demands for solutions across most categories. According to Elizabeth...
$10m boost for free healthcare scheme
FBC News
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July 15, 2025
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa [Source: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji/Facebook] The government has allocated $10 million in the 2025–2026 national budget to continue and expand the Free Medical Scheme for vulnerable Fijians....
Pacific Specialist Healthcare pioneers Fiji’s first mitral bioprosthetic valve replacement surgery
Fijivillage
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Pacific Specialist Healthcare pioneers Fiji’s first mitral bioprosthetic valve replacement surgery From left to right: Registered Nurse Poonam, Mrs. R.D. Karan, patient Mr. Ravindra Karan, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon Dr Sanjeev Khulbey,...
Govt negotiates Aspen deal to ensure fair use of Health Budget
Fijivillage
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With concerns raised over 25 percent of the health budget previously allocated to Aspen under past agreements, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says negotiations are underway to ensure better value for money....
Budget shows Govt’s intent for improving health services and tackling health challenges of our time – Dr Lalabalavu
Fijivillage
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Budget shows Govt’s intent for improving health services and tackling health challenges of our time – Dr Lalabalavu Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the 2025/2026 National Budget provides a clear pathway and direction on the...
Seruiratu says 40,000 Fijians left between 2022-2023, worsening skills shortage
Fijivillage
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Over 40,000 people leaving our shores between 2022 and 2023 has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s workforce. While opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget, the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu highlighted that this figure represents a net...
Labasa florist encourages women to take up gardening for wellness and income
Fijivillage
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Labasa florist Neelam Sharma says she wants to empower women to get off their phones and get into gardening, as it is good for the mind and body and can also help them earn some money. While speaking to fijivillage News during the Arbor Week...
Budget saves health workforce
FBC News
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July 15, 2025
Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu [File Photo] Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu says the government’s bold investment in the health workforce has stopped a dangerous post-COVID exodus of doctors and nurses that once threatened to cripple the system. In...
Health Ministry yet to comment on cleaning contract for CWM Hospital re-awarded to company with the same shareholders as previous company
Fijivillage
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Health Ministry yet to comment on cleaning contract for CWM Hospital re-awarded to company with the same shareholders as previous company The Ministry of Health is yet to comment on the cleaning contract for CWM Hospital re-awarded to the company...
Fiji now has the world’s fastest growing HIV epidemic according to new UNAIDS report
Fijivillage
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Fiji now has the world’s fastest growing HIV epidemic according to new UNAIDS report Fiji now has the world’s fastest growing HIV epidemic. A UNAIDS report titled 2025 Global AIDS Update, AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform, states that since...
Medical students in Fiji are reportedly submitting AI-generated assignments
RNZ
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July 10, 2025
Dr Amelia Turagabeci said AI technology has changed how future medical professionals are approaching their studies, according to a Fiji Sun report. Photo: Supplied In Fiji, medical students are reportedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to...
Fiji battles scabies surge
The Fiji Times
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July 10, 2025
Fiji has reported a high prevalence of scabies, says National Scabies Program co-ordinator Mela Liku. Speaking during the World Skin Health Day celebrations at Twomey Hospital in Tamavua, Suva on Tuesday, Ms Liku said in 2007, a national survey...