AGP Executive Report

Pacific Journalism & Ocean Storytelling: Journalists from Fiji and across the Pacific met in Savusavu ahead of the PINA summit to learn how to turn ocean and climate science into stories communities can act on, with Dr Joeli Veitayaki stressing reporters are “teachers” beyond the newsroom. Media Freedom & Influence: RSF highlights China’s global campaign to distort journalism, including content-sharing deals, diaspora amplification, and equipment-for-censorship tactics—an issue Pacific outlets are watching closely. Gender in Leadership: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement reports only 22.2% of permanent secretary roles are held by women, pointing to structural barriers beyond individual appointments. Fiji HIV Tech & Public Health: WHO-backed findings say Fiji’s “bluetoothing” hype distracts from a bigger risk: widespread needle and syringe reuse due to lack of sterile equipment, as Fiji’s HIV emergency escalates. Bamboo for Resilient Homes: Pacific Ark says bamboo research must move from reports to real construction, with six studies handed to Fiji’s Forestry Ministry to support stronger, wind-resistant housing. Pacific Media Summit Focus: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu will tackle press freedom, newsroom survival, AI, anti-corruption, and climate/disaster reporting. Tourism & Growth: Fiji hit 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, and Hilton Fiji announced major upgrades for its next 20 years.

HIV Emergency: Fiji’s HIV crisis is worsening fast, with WHO-backed reporting highlighting “bluetoothing” attention but pointing to a bigger risk: widespread needle and syringe reuse due to lack of sterile equipment, as Fiji’s national emergency response ramps up. Public Health & Cancer Care: At Lautoka Hospital, a breast cancer study presented at the Fiji Medical Association conference found many patients delay care for months to years, with calls for better awareness and stronger roles for religious leaders and NGOs. Assistive Tech for Kids: A new SPARK Fiji programme aims to bring screening and referral for hearing, vision and mobility needs into schools, tackling the global gap where only about 10% of children get support. Bamboo Housing Push: Fiji is moving bamboo research toward action, with six reports handed to the Forestry Ministry and draft guidance using estimates that bamboo construction could be around $1,300 per square metre for more climate-resilient homes. Pacific Media & AI: The 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu will focus on press freedom, newsroom survival, anti-corruption and how AI is reshaping journalism. Tourism Growth: Fiji hit 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, with tourism leaders urging “value over volume” and better benefits for local businesses. Governance & Tech Rights: UniFiji law students drafted a Constitution proposal that includes protections for AI, personal data, digital privacy and internet access. Gender in Leadership: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement reports women hold just 22.2% of permanent secretary roles, citing structural barriers. Regional Science: An Okeanos Explorer mission makes its first Fiji visit to map the deep seafloor, supporting Pacific ocean science.

HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV emergency is a regional wake-up call, with 2,106 new diagnoses in 2025 and young people hit hardest; WHO links Fiji’s surge to sharp global increases, while only 39% know their status and 22% are on treatment. Health Misinformation: Fiji Network Plus warns against viral claims of a “herbal cure” for HIV, stressing ART is the proven treatment and stopping it can be deadly. Assistive Tech for Kids: SPARK Fiji will roll out screening and referral for hearing, vision and mobility needs in schools, aiming to reduce barriers for children across Fiji’s islands. Specialist Eye Care: A Chinese team at CWM Hospital delivered cataract surgeries and laser treatment for 106 patients, boosting access to specialist ophthalmology. Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is in Suva to map Fiji’s deep seafloor to 6,000m, with data shared with government and made public. Bamboo for Homes: Fiji handed over six bamboo research reports and draft guidelines to support climate-friendly, lower-cost construction and a future bamboo code of practice. AI & IoT in the Pacific: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai sign a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and video analytics solutions across Fiji and the wider Pacific. Tourism Tech & Growth: Fiji hit 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, with tourism leaders pushing “value over volume” and better benefits for local businesses.

Constitution & Digital Rights: UniFiji law students have sent a draft Constitution to PM Rabuka proposing limits on immunity for unconstitutional power grabs, plus protections for AI, personal data, digital privacy and internet access. HIV Response & Misinformation: Fiji’s HIV emergency is driving urgent public messaging: WHO-backed findings say “bluetoothing” is less widespread than needle reuse from lack of sterile equipment, while Fiji Network Plus warns against fake herbal HIV cure claims that could interrupt ART. Assistive Tech for Children: SPARK Fiji is set to roll out screening and referral for hearing, vision and mobility needs in schools, tackling major access barriers for children across Fiji and outer islands. Eye Care in Fiji: A Chinese team completed cataract surgeries and laser treatments for 106 patients at CWM Hospital during a six-day mission, improving specialist access. Ocean Science: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has arrived in Suva for deep-seafloor mapping, with data planned for Fiji and public release. Bamboo for Homes: World Bamboo Day handover brings six Fiji Bamboo research reports and draft guidelines to support cheaper, climate-friendly construction. Diabetes on the Global Stage: Diabetes Fiji took its “From Community to Care” model to an international congress, pushing community-led prevention and follow-up. Tourism & Visitors: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, with a push for “value over volume.”

HIV Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as cases surge, with health officials saying about 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV; the tourism minister says visitors should still come, calling HIV a global issue. Public Health Misinformation: Fiji Network Plus warns against viral “herbal cure” claims, stressing there’s no proven herbal cure and urging people not to stop ART. Drug-Use Spread: A report highlights “bluetoothing”/hotspotting—sharing drug-infused blood via needles—as a dangerous driver of the outbreak, tied to poverty and low awareness. Tourism Pressure: Fiji welcomed a record 105,791 visitors in July, while officials push “value over volume” and better benefits for local businesses. Climate & Prices: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warns El Niño could raise food and essential goods prices and reduce local output, while cracking down on overcharging. Bamboo Housing: World Bamboo Day research handed to the Forestry Ministry suggests bamboo construction could cost about $1,300 per square metre and supports draft guidelines for climate-resilient homes. Marine Science: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer arrives in Fiji to map deep seafloor areas, with data planned for public access. AI & Tech Partnerships: A Fiji firm partnership will bring AI/IoT and video analytics to Pacific markets, while a Pasifika AI creator argues Pacific-focused AI must be built with community mandate.

HIV Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as reported infections surge to about 1 in 60 adults, prompting an “outbreak-level” push including expanded free rapid testing and clean needles to reduce transmission. Public Health Misinformation: Fiji Network Plus warns against viral claims of herbal cures, stressing there’s no scientifically proven cure and that stopping ART can be dangerous. Climate & Food Prices: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warns El Niño could raise prices and reduce availability of food and essentials, with tougher monitoring against overcharging. Bamboo Homes: Fiji’s bamboo research and draft construction guidelines were handed to the Forestry Ministry, with estimates putting bamboo-based building at around $1,300 per square metre as the country tackles housing shortages. Ocean Science: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is in Fiji for deep-sea mapping, with data planned for public release and government access. AI & Policy: Fiji’s Ministry drafts an AI policy for schools, while a Pasifika AI creator argues Pacific-aligned AI must not speak for communities without a mandate. Tech Partnerships: A Fiji firm partnership will bring AI, IoT and video analytics to Pacific markets, starting with Fiji.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after reported cases rose to about 1 in 60 adults, with officials citing a need to move beyond “business as usual” and expand testing and prevention. Flu Surge: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports a 75% jump in influenza-like illnesses, with 1,780 new cases in the first week of September and young children hit hardest. Health System Strain: Patients at CWM Hospital face delays in blood tests and X-rays linked to unpaid overtime for lab and radiology staff, raising calls for better shift coverage. Bamboo for Climate-Resilient Building: Fiji’s Forestry Ministry received six bamboo research reports and draft guidelines, aiming to build confidence, standards, and a bamboo code of practice for sustainable construction. Pacific Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer made its first Fiji visit to map the deep seafloor, with data planned for public release and sharing with the Fijian government. AI & Industry in the Pacific: Fiji firm RC Manubhai and Kritilabs sign a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and video analytics solutions across Pacific markets. El Niño Food Price Worries: Fiji’s consumer watchdog warns El Niño could raise prices and reduce availability of some goods, while cracking down on overcharging. Security at Sea: RFNS Savenaca joined a high seas patrol targeting illegal fishing, boosting surveillance and maritime domain awareness.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has docked in Suva for its first Fiji visit, using sonar and a remotely operated vehicle to map Pacific seafloor down to 6,000m, with data shared with Fiji and later made public. Climate-Resilient Construction: Fiji handed over six bamboo research reports to the Fisheries and Forestry Ministry, aiming to build confidence, guide sustainable harvesting, and support a bamboo code of practice. AI/IoT for the Pacific: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai & Co signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT, and video analytics solutions across Fiji and neighbouring islands. HIV Emergency: Fiji declared a national HIV emergency as cases surge to about 1 in 60 adults; tourism leaders say HIV shouldn’t deter visitors while health services expand testing and prevention. Flu Surge: Influenza-like illness jumped 75% in a week, with children under five hardest hit, as the Ministry urges precautions. Maritime Security: RFNS Savenaca joined high-seas patrols under Operation NASSE to target illegal fishing and boost surveillance and information-sharing. El Niño Costs: FCCC warns El Niño could push up prices and reduce availability of some foods and essentials, while cracking down on overcharging. Early Warning & Resilience: Vanuatu is pushing to host a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific. Education Tech: Fiji’s Education Ministry is drafting an AI policy for schools to guide responsible use and reduce plagiarism. Ecology Under Threat: Research flags invasive white-footed ants threatening Fiji’s unique ant-farming plant partnerships.

HIV Emergency in Fiji: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after estimates put HIV at about 1 in 60 adults (up from 1 in 167 in 2019), with 2,016 new diagnoses reported in 2025 and 117 HIV-related deaths the same year—prompting an “outbreak-level response” and calls for faster, community-led action. Flu Surge: Influenza-like illness cases in Fiji jumped 75% in a week, reaching 1,780 new cases, with under-fives the hardest hit; the Ministry is urging hand hygiene, cough/sneeze cover, staying home when sick, and masks when needed. Health System Strain: Concerns at CWM Hospital point to delays in blood tests and X-rays linked to unpaid overtime for lab and radiology technicians, with calls for shift work and better on-call coverage. AI in Schools: Fiji’s Ministry of Education is drafting an AI policy to guide responsible use in classrooms and reduce plagiarism risks. Assistive Tech for Learning: The SPARK Fiji programme (supported by Australia) is scaling up vision, hearing and mobility support for school-age children, using screening and referrals to get assistive products and rehab closer to communities. Electric Transport for Tourism: South Sea Cruises Group will bring Fiji’s first electric coaches to Port Denarau for lower emissions and quieter transfers. Invasive Ants Threaten Fiji Ecology: A study warns invasive ants are displacing native “farming ants” that support rare plant species, risking collapse of long-evolved ant-plant partnerships. Pacific Weather Readiness: Pacific countries are pushing for stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services, with Vanuatu seeking to host a multi-hazard early warning centre.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after a 27% jump in new diagnoses, with government estimates saying 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV and 1 in 50 pregnant women; experts are calling for faster, community-led testing, stigma-free care and better 24/7 support. Health System Pressure: Patients at CWM Hospital report delays for blood tests and X-rays, linked to unpaid overtime affecting after-hours services—while senior medical voices warn the wider health system is “rock bottom.” Flu Surge: Fiji recorded 1,780 influenza-like illness cases in the first week of September, up 75%, with Influenza A (H1pdm09) flagged as the main virus. AI for Public Services: The Ministry of Education is drafting an AI policy for schools to guide responsible use and reduce plagiarism risks. Eye Care Tech: A Chinese team donated $1.1m in AI-powered screening and ophthalmology equipment to expand early detection and cataract surgery capacity. Assistive Tech for Kids: SPARK Fiji (US$1.6m) will scale vision, hearing and mobility support for children via screening, referrals and follow-up. Weather & Risk: WMO warns Fiji and the Pacific to use AI in forecasting carefully, and NOAA/WMO forecasts point to a very strong El Niño reshaping travel and storm risk. Biodiversity Threat: Fiji’s ancient “farming ants” face displacement from invasive ants, threatening unique ant-plant partnerships. Sustainable Transport: South Sea Cruises will bring Fiji’s first electric coaches for lower emissions and quieter transfers. Media & Digital Innovation: Fiji will host the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, focusing on remote reporting, AI, and press freedom.

Education & AI: Fiji’s Ministry of Education is drafting an AI policy for schools, aiming to guide responsible use and tackle plagiarism as teaching and assessment adapt to fast-changing digital tools. Health Crisis: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency, citing a sharp rise in diagnoses and warning that every case must quickly link to care. Assistive Tech for Kids: The US$1.6m SPARK Fiji programme will scale up vision, hearing and mobility support for children (5–17), moving from screening to fitting, rehab and follow-up through school health systems. Health System Pressure: Prof. Eddie McCaig says CWM Hospital is a “total mess” and urges Fiji to focus on implementation capacity, not more plans, as the health system hits “rock bottom.” Eye Care Upgrade: A visiting Chinese ophthalmology team will carry out advanced cataract surgery for 100+ patients, including AI-enabled eye imaging to improve screening and referrals. Kava Regulation Debate: Fiji’s Kava Bill is welcomed for strengthening the industry, but academics warn licensing and traceability rules could overwhelm small rural farmers without clear, practical guidance. Sustainable Transport: South Sea Cruises will bring Fiji’s first electric coaches to Port Denarau in October, cutting emissions and noise for resort transfers. Weather & AI Caution: The WMO warns Pacific forecasters to embrace AI in cyclone and rainfall prediction, but keep humans in the loop to avoid confident wrong calls. Pacific Media Summit: Fiji will host the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu (22 Sept), focusing on press freedom, AI and digital innovation for a connected Blue Pacific. Trade & Tech Links: Guangdong’s roadshow in Suva highlights AI, electronics and energy storage, pitching Fiji as a gateway for regional trade and technology transfer.

Health Tech & Cancer Awareness: A University of Otago study finds many Pacific women struggle to name gynaecological cancer symptoms, with Fiji radio host Nemai Tagicakibau sharing how delays and a mix-up in her case preceded stage-four ovarian cancer treatment. HIV Emergency: Fiji’s Health Minister declares a national HIV emergency as estimates rise fast, including alarming impacts on pregnant women and newborns, with calls for science-led, stigma-free prevention and treatment. Assistive Technology Push: The US$1.6m SPARK Fiji programme (2025–2028) and a related US$3.5m SPARK initiative aim to bring vision, hearing and mobility screening, referrals and assistive products to children—especially girls and those with disabilities. Digital & Media Innovation: PM Rabuka will open the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu (22 Sept), focusing on press freedom, AI, and digital innovation for a connected Blue Pacific. Rural Tech & Compliance Risk: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill could strengthen the industry with licensing and traceability, but academics warn tough rules may overwhelm small rural farmers without clear, practical guidance. Clean Transport for Tourism: South Sea Cruises Group plans Fiji’s first electric coaches in October, cutting emissions and noise for resort transfers. Weather AI Caution: WMO warns Fiji and the Pacific to use AI for forecasting while keeping human judgment front and centre. Trade & Manufacturing Links: Guangdong’s roadshow in Fiji highlights AI, electronics and green storage, positioning Fiji as a gateway for Pacific trade and investment. Health Services Upgrade: A visiting Chinese ophthalmology team will perform advanced cataract surgery using donated AI-enabled imaging equipment at CWM Hospital. Policy & Governance: SEEP urges caution on electoral reforms, saying training and public awareness may not be ready in time.

Guangdong Trade Push: A Guangdong products roadshow in Suva is pitching smart manufacturing, AI, electronics and new energy storage as a way to deepen China–Fiji trade and investment, with Fiji framed as a gateway to wider Pacific markets. Coconut Revival: Fiji’s government says about half of coconut plantations (30,000+ hectares) are ageing and will be rehabilitated, with nurseries planned across divisions and a shift toward higher productivity, better processing and stronger farmer incomes. Kava Bill Watch: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill could improve licensing, traceability and quality, but academics warn rural smallholders may struggle with paperwork and compliance unless rules are made practical. Agriculture Tech Focus: PM Rabuka used the return of the National Agriculture Show in Labasa to push farmers toward productivity, innovation, value-add and better returns—linking agriculture to Fiji’s high-income future. HIV Crisis Pressure: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn HIV is nearing “unmanageable” levels, citing underfunding, stigma and gaps in testing and contact tracing, while also flagging workforce planning problems with 43 newly qualified doctors at risk of no postings. Water Access Update: Fiji is reported at 97% clean drinking water access, but lawmakers questioned rural coverage and non-revenue water, including how leak detection tech is being improved. Regional Climate Unity: PM Matthew Wale calls for one Pacific negotiating voice ahead of Pre-COP31 in Nadi and COP31, urging stronger links between researchers, governments and communities to turn climate “evidence” into action. Medical Tourism Growth: Fiji is positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced cardiac care, with PSH Hospitals reporting growing patient demand across Pacific islands.

Kava Regulation: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill is welcomed as a way to strengthen the industry, but academics warn tough licensing, traceability and quality rules could overwhelm small rural farmers unless guidance is practical and accessible. Agriculture & Growth: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji must move from just producing more to boosting productivity, value-add and farmer profits, as the 2026 National Agriculture Show returns to Labasa after six years. Infrastructure Capacity: Fiji’s Public Works Ministry says Australian treaty support should build Fiji’s own engineering and technology capacity, not create dependency, as ageing infrastructure and staffing gaps bite. Water Access: Water Authority of Fiji reports 97% clean drinking water access, while lawmakers probe rural equity and non-revenue water leaks and the tech used to find them. Health Crisis—HIV: Fiji Medical Association leaders warn HIV is nearing levels that could become hard to manage, citing underfunding, slow response and workforce pressures as cases rise. Health System Strain: FMA also flags doctors waiting for postings and health workers making critical decisions without support, pushing for urgent workforce planning and better primary care. Climate & Warnings: Pacific leaders push for stronger climate negotiation unity ahead of Pre-COP31/COP31, while Fiji urges people to take weather warnings seriously as cyclone season approaches. Tech for Farmers: Fiji’s youth agrifood team won global attention at the AgriInno Challenge with a mobile-based digital identity platform using multilingual AI to guide smallholders. Regional Security & Tech Transfer: Guangdong is eyeing Fiji as a trade and investment gateway, offering digital, renewable and smart-appliance know-how—if it translates into jobs and skills locally.

Water & Infrastructure: Fiji is 97% of the way to universal access to clean drinking water, but lawmakers pressed Water Authority of Fiji on rural equity and non-revenue water leaks (47%) and the tech approach to finding and fixing them. Public Health (HIV): Fiji’s HIV crisis is worsening fast: a health researcher says “horrendously high” numbers of babies are dying from HIV-related complications, while the Fiji Medical Association warns the country is nearing unmanageable levels and calls for faster, coordinated action. Health Workforce: FMA says 43 newly qualified doctors could be left without jobs due to posting delays, and that doctors are making critical overnight decisions without basic diagnostics as overtime and staffing gaps bite. Climate & Safety: Fiji Meteorological Service urges people to take weather warnings seriously ahead of cyclone season, especially for sea travel. Regional Tech & Media: AI is set to be a key focus at the Pacific Media Summit, alongside efforts to strengthen Fiji’s online safety rules. Agritech: Fiji’s Teivaka won a pitch at the Global AgriInno Challenge, using multilingual AI and mobile records to support farmers and connect them to buyers and institutions. Sports Performance: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance to strengthen pathways from age-grade to national teams.

Health Crisis: Fiji is facing a rapidly worsening HIV situation, with health experts warning it could become “unmanageable” without faster action; SafeTravel also urges New Zealanders to get comprehensive travel insurance as access to care can be limited outside urban centres. Health Workforce: The Fiji Medical Association says 43 newly qualified doctors could be left without jobs due to posting delays, while doctors in some subdivisions are making critical overnight decisions without basic diagnostics and with unpaid overtime issues. Health Screening: More than 56,000 Fiji children have been screened for heart problems, with early detection leading to early-stage treatment and more surgeries expected from New Zealand. Climate & Warnings: Fiji Meteorological Service is urging people to take weather warnings seriously ahead of cyclone season, stressing that knowing forecasts isn’t enough—people must act. Regional Tech & Media: AI is set to be a major focus at the Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, alongside efforts to strengthen Fiji’s digital laws and online safety. Agritech: Fiji’s agriculture sector is getting a boost with the National Agriculture Show returning to Labasa after six years, bringing new farming technologies and drought-fighting methods. Food & Farming Innovation: Fiji’s Teivaka project won a pitch at the Global AgriInno Challenge, using mobile tools and multilingual AI guidance to support smallholders. Sports Performance: Fiji Rugby has appointed Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance to strengthen pathways from age-grade rugby to national teams. Science & Heritage: Archaeologists report a 1,200-year-old shell-rich island site in Vanua Levu, shedding light on past coastal life. Agriculture Genetics: Fiji is discussing importing improved sheep and goat genetics from Barbados and India to cut meat import reliance.