Health officials say Fiji’s HIV response is being held back by a shortage of health workers, limiting efforts to get more people tested and into treatment.

The Ministry of Health is warning of a continued risk of waterborne diseases during the current wet weather, with teams ready to investigate if cases increase in specific communities.

Funding shortages are disrupting basic health services in parts of the country, with an X-ray service shut down and outreach clinics cancelled because of staffing and overtime issues.

The Ministry of Health is strengthening efforts to detect eye diseases earlier and prevent avoidable blindness following a donation of screening and diagnostic technology from a Chinese medical team.

One in every 60 adults in Fiji is now estimated to be living with HIV, compared with one in 167 five years ago.

The Fiji College of General Practitioners is calling for a greater role for private doctors in delivering essential health services.

Residents of Waiqele and nearby communities will soon have easier access to healthcare, with construction of a new health centre now 90 percent complete.

Fiji is rapidly approaching levels of HIV that could become difficult to manage unless urgent action is taken, says Fiji Medical Association President Dr Ronald Kumar.

The Fiji Medical Association is calling for stronger action to address workforce shortages, healthcare resources, and the growing challenges facing Fiji’s health system.

A proposed dispute clause in the Vuvale Union Treaty has raised concerns over how Fiji could seek independent legal intervention in a serious health or biological dispute with Australia.

The Fiji Cancer Society has received a new GeneX machine to strengthen cervical cancer screening and improve access to testing.

Nasinu Town Council is opposing plans to build the replacement for Colonial War Memorial Hospital at Valelevu Grounds.