Health
Vanuatu strengthens measles outbreak defences
VANUATU has moved to sharpen its measles outbreak response as Pacific countries work to protect communities from the disease which was declared eliminated in the region in 2025.
PACNEWS THREE, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — MCC touts Pacific, Fiji partnerships as strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road2. VAN — Vanuatu Opposition demands Gov’t apology over failed Matthew and
PACNEWS TWO, 17 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NZ — New Zealand, Fiji renew Duavata Partnership with focus on Trade, Security and Climate2. ACP — OACPS Ministers begin Brussels meeting with focus on Samoa Agreement3. SOL —
Cambodia’s HIV model the region cannot ignore
CAMBODIA has become the first country in the Asia-Pacific to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets – 95 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 95 per cent of those on treatment, and 95 per cent of those virally
PACNEWS THREE, 03 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Rewa Chief says Fiji’s military immunity call challenges government to deliver accountability2. UN— Record number of countries present climate progress through transparency
Building the evidence for stronger Pacific eye care
Across the Pacific region, it’s estimated that over 1.2 million people live with blindness or vision impairment – and 90 per cent of
PACNEWS TWO, 02 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji may go to polls under current Constitution: PM Rabuka2. VAN — Former Vanuatu PM blasts Nakamal agreement3. SOL — Tribunal appointed to investigate Solomon Islands
Fiji launches $500 million hospital transformation
FIJI has allocated $FJD647 million to the health sector, with a major $500 million transformation project FIJI has allocated $FJD647
“Total elimination within reach” – Pacific health leaders on cervical cancer
GLOBAL trends show that the elimination of cervical cancer in the Pacific is a realistic and attainable goal, regional health
Investing in Pacific eye health
ACROSS the Pacific, more than one million people live with avoidable blindness. And cataracts are the leading cause. A 20-minute surgical procedure can fix the problem, and the impact is felt immediately.
Pacific must act on RHD now
RHEUMATIC heart disease (RHD) continues to place a significant burden on Pacific health
When the badge becomes heavy
AT the end of a shift in Fiji, the police badge may come off, but the work often does not.
Pacific knowledge takes centre stage in drive for health solutions
THE Pacific has the knowledge, wherewithal and expertise to deal with national health challenges.
FMA strengthens medical oversight in Fiji’s public health law
THE Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has thrown its support behind the Fijian government’s plan to update the country’s public health
PACNEWS THREE, 19 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Tonga police see crime growing more regional and digital2. UN — Triple climate threats affect nearly half the world’s children3. AUST/VAN — ‘Pressure, not
PACNEWS TWO, 19 JUNE 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — “Those blocking climate science are not our friends”: Pacific issues strong warning at Bonn talks2. PACIFIC — Climate, migration and leadership rise to the top of
Regional response needed as Pacific drug threat grows
COOK Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams has called for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug
Conference addresses New Caledonia’s struggling health sector
HEALTHCARE personnel have been meeting for three days in New Caledonia to look at ways to help out the struggling sector.
PACNEWS THREE, 13 MAY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. NAURU — Nauru Parliament backs move to rename nation as Naoero2. PACIFIC — PNG aims to expand Marine Protected Areas: Kilepa3. PACIFIC — Palau’s marine conservation success
Fiji HIV crisis deepens as healthcare workers fear disclosure
FIJI faces a deepening HIV crisis as health workers living with the disease refuse to be tested or declare their
Hospital staff implicated in French Polynesia trafficking case
SEVERAL employees of Taaone Hospital in French Polynesia are under investigation for involvement in methamphetamine
