PACNEWS THREE, 15 OCTOBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — New Zealand scores poorly on health protection in climate plans, Timor-Leste among top performers2. PACIFIC — SPC climate programme records US$129.9 million in new funding
Health
PACNEWS TWO, 15 OCTOBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — U.S strengthens Fiji’s cyber defences amid warnings over China-linked threats2. SOL — Dick Stanley Pirione sworn in as Solomon Islands Ombudsman3. AUST — Palau
Two confirmed HIV cases in Niue
NIUE has confirmed two HIV cases linked to a single household, with health authorities saying there is no evidence of wider
PACNEWS THREE, 01 OCTOBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji Electoral Commission tightens campaign rules ahead of the General Election2. FIJI — Mothers and babies pay the price as Fiji’s HIV emergency worsens3. USA — U.S
Life expectancy in the Pacific, and the case of Naoero
AVERAGE life expectancy across the Pacific is 68.8 years, up from 52.7 in 1960. That's a significant increase, but it is well below
PACNEWS SPORTS, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. RUGBY/HEALTH — “Don’t miss a beat” in heart health push: Serevi urges Fijians2. JIU JITSU — Seven-year-old Fijian-Tongan star wins fourth world jiu-jitsu title3. WEIGHTLIFTING
Fiji declares HIV emergency
FIJI’S national HIV emergency is one of the sharpest increases in new infections globally. The emergency was declared two years after
PACNEWS ONE, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. FIJI — Fiji targets 24 December for new Constitution2. PACIFIC — Pacific Ministers renew commitment to stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning service3. PACIFIC
PACNEWS TWO, 16 SEPTEMBER 2026
In this bulletin: 1. TAIWAN — Taiwan and Tuvalu are “more than good friends”: President Lai2. PACIFIC — U.S outlines deeper Pacific engagement3. PACIFIC — U.S welcomes Solomon Islands PM Wale’s
Solomons issues flu alert
THE Solomon Islands healthy ministry says it is closely monitoring an increase in flu-like illness across the
Fiji reports on increased influenza activity across Fiji
FIJI is reporting a marked rise in influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections in the past three
Pacific health leaders commit to future-ready resilient health systems
PACIFIC Health Leaders reinforced the importance of resilient, equitable, and future-ready health systems grounded in Pacific priorities, country realities, and government leadership as they concluded the 17th Pacific
Tonga expects the worst as El Niño underway
TONGANS have been warned of possible significant water shortages, skin diseases, dry soil, and disruptions to household income and livelihoods as the kingdom faces a prolonged El
PACNEWS ONE, 17 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. TONGA — Tonga appoints three new Ministers2. COOKS — Mangaia trio boosts Cook Islands Party bid for supermajority3. HAWAII — Hurricane poised to hit Hawaii as El Nino stirs
Fiji launches HIV Response Hub as Australia commits $23.5m
FIJI has opened its new National Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Office, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s response to what has now been recognised as a generalised HIV
PACNEWS ONE, 07 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia pushes for stronger Pacific regionalism at Forum Foreign Ministers meeting2. FIJI — Australia commits FJD$23.5 million to Fiji’s HIV response as Wong backs Vuvale
PACNEWS THREE, Tuesday 4 August 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Top U.S admiral warns against coercion, says no nation will dominate Indo-Pacific2. PACIFIC — Pacific health leaders gather to shape future as PMA marks 30 years3. FIJI —
Fiji’s HIV crisis deepens as meth use drives new infections
THE shape of Fiji’s HIV epidemic is now being described in alarming terms — a graph rising sharply, almost like a cobra lifting its head before a strike. For years, Fiji recorded very low HIV numbers across its
PACNEWS ONE, 28 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. B/VILLE — Bougainville leaders endorse final position and recommend 2030 Independence declaration date2. VAN — Newly appointed Director General welcomed by the MSG Secretariat staff3.SOL
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
