Men’s mental health must be nurtured from childhood, according to Empower Pacific clinical supervisor Ana Radrekusa.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says greater awareness, early diagnosis and stronger community support are needed for people living with lupus in Fiji, particularly women who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Outsourcing elective surgeries to private facilities has helped reduce the backlog at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital during ongoing renovations.

Tobacco-related diseases are killing about 1,200 people in Fiji every year, with health officials warning the habit is also pushing more young people towards harder drug use.

Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says four of the eight operating theatres at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva are currently operational.

The Health Ministry is urging Fijians to avoid non-essential travel to several Central African countries following the recent Ebola outbreak in the region.

Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says climate resilience is essential to maintaining treatment continuity, laboratory services, medicine supply chains, and emergency outreach programmes.

Fiji is strengthening its national health response with the Cabinet approving an additional $8.53 million investment to secure essential medicines and diagnostic supplies, as the country continues to face rising health challenges, including an escalating HIV outbreak.

Cabinet has approved a full review of the Pharmacy Profession Act 2011 to strengthen the regulation of pharmacy practice, pharmacy services, and the operation of pharmacies across Fiji.

With stroke being one of the leading causes of death and disability in Fiji, its impact on mental health after a stroke is often a silent battle.

Internationally renowned cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey says the rising burden of heart disease across Fiji and the wider Pacific, and the hardship faced by families forced to seek treatment overseas, drove his decision to begin performing open-heart surgeries locally.

A heart attack that nearly claimed the life of a Labasa doctor has now become the driving force behind a new push for healthier lifestyles in Vanua Levu.