AGP Executive Report

NCD Update: New data shows 5,815 Cook Islands adults (15+) are living with at least one non-communicable disease, with hypertension driving the highest number of new cases. Specialist Care: A visiting ENT team from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is in Rarotonga (June 22–26) delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, supported by Australia’s budget support and the Oa Tumanava partnership. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results from the UK and Australia, and highlighting rising uptake of HPV self-testing in the region. Blue Economy & Health Tech: A new look at marine biotechnology argues the Pacific can move beyond traditional fisheries toward higher-value ocean innovations, including medical and aquaculture applications. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: Reports warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising concerns for marine ecosystems and seafood safety as regulators debate rules. Workforce Pipeline: ProCare’s scholarship backs top Māori and Pacific medical students into general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient recognised for GP pathway performance.

NCD Update: New data shows 5,815 Cook Islands adults (15+) are living with at least one non-communicable disease, with hypertension leading new cases—highlighting the urgent need for prevention and early care. Health Access in the Pa Enua: Visiting ENT specialists from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons are in Rarotonga this week (June 22–26), delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Cervical Cancer Push: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results from the UK and Australia, plus encouraging HPV self-testing uptake in the region. GP Workforce Boost: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students entering general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient, aiming to strengthen primary care for communities. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: A new report warns deep sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising risks for marine life and seafood consumers—an issue regulators are still not fully prepared for. Obesity Rankings: A global review flags obesity as a major public health crisis, with several Pacific island nations among the highest-rate countries. Local Governance Letter: A reader calls for a fairer share of investment across the Pa Enua, questioning whether islands like Atiu are receiving more attention than others.

Offshore Wealth for Doctors: Southpac Group says US doctors are increasingly moving assets into offshore trusts, including Cook Islands and Nevis structures, as malpractice litigation fears rise in high-risk specialties. Health Access in the Pa Enua: Rarotonga and Pa Enua residents are set to benefit from a visiting ENT surgical team from Australia’s RACS, working with Te Marae Ora and supported by Australia’s budget support. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening, including high uptake of HPV self-testing. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific traditional leaders and conservation groups are meeting to strengthen Indigenous governance for climate resilience and sustainable financing. Deep-Sea Mining Radiation Risk: New reports warn deep sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising concerns for marine life and the seafood food chain. Obesity Hotspots: A global ranking highlights how obesity rates are highest in several Pacific island nations, linking the trend to diet shifts and chronic disease burden. Community Equity Debate: A letter questions whether government investment is fairly shared across the Pa Enua, citing uneven health and infrastructure attention. General Practice Pipeline: ProCare’s scholarship backs top Māori and Pacific medical students into GP training, including a Cook Islands recipient. Sport and Wellbeing: Record participation is confirmed for the Zespri AIMS Games, with the Cook Islands among international schools attending.

Deep-Sea Mining Radiation Risk: As the International Seabed Authority debates rules for deep-sea mining, a new report warns that mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from the seafloor, raising concerns for marine life and seafood consumers through the food chain. Pacific Conservation & Governance: Traditional leaders, youth and conservation groups are meeting for a Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange, spotlighting Indigenous-led stewardship and climate resilience, with Cook Islands leaders among participants. Cervical Cancer Elimination in the Pacific: Regional health experts say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results in the UK and Australia and highlighting growing uptake of HPV self-testing in Pacific communities. ENT Specialists Visit Rarotonga & Pa Enua: A visiting team of ear, nose and throat specialists from Australia is delivering clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Pa Enua Investment Debate: A letter questions whether government spending is evenly shared across the outer islands, raising concerns about uneven attention and the barge programme’s sourcing and maintenance. General Practice Workforce Support: ProCare is backing the next generation of Māori and Pacific GPs through scholarships, including a Cook Islands recipient, as primary care faces ongoing pressure. Transboundary Plastic Pollution Talks: Pacific voices are pushing for stronger global action at upcoming negotiations in Nairobi to tackle marine plastic pollution. Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Update: New Zealand Rugby has ruled out a rescue bid, confirming Moana Pasifika will not be in Super Rugby Pacific next year, with the door left open beyond 2027.

Indigenous-led conservation: Traditional leaders, conservation practitioners and youth from across the Pacific are meeting in a regional learning exchange led by IUCN, Conservation International and UANKA, focusing on customary governance, climate resilience and sustainable financing. Deep-sea mining radiation risk: New reports warn that deep sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials from the seabed, raising concerns for marine life and seafood consumers as regulators debate rules. Obesity crisis spotlight: A new global look at obesity rankings flags that several Pacific island nations sit at the top, underscoring the growing burden of diet-related chronic disease. Cervical cancer elimination in reach: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation where HPV vaccination and screening are strong, with momentum boosted by HPV self-testing uptake. Local care upgrade: ENT specialists from Australia’s RACS are visiting Rarotonga to deliver clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora. Primary care workforce: ProCare scholarships recognise top Māori and Pacific medical students aiming for general practice, backing the next generation of GPs. Health-linked community sport: The Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga has record entries, including strong growth in individual sports and international participation from the Cook Islands and Fiji.

Radioactive Risk: An anti-deep sea mining group warns that seabed mining could disturb radioactive material and push it into the marine food chain, raising concerns for seafood eaters and marine life. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results from the UK and Australia, with HPV self-testing uptake reported as high. Local Health Access: Australian ENT specialists are visiting Rarotonga and the Pa Enua (June 22–26) to deliver specialist clinics and complex surgeries with support from Te Marae Ora and Australia’s partnership funding. Primary Care Workforce: ProCare scholarships are backing top Māori and Pacific medical students entering general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient, to strengthen community-led primary care. Health & Environment Policy: Pacific voices are pushing for stronger action in global plastic pollution talks in Nairobi, aiming for a legally binding end to marine plastic pollution. Community Wellbeing & Sport: The Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga has surged to 14,506 entries, with record growth in individual sports and international schools including the Cook Islands.

Transboundary Health & Environment: SPREP says Pacific nations are heading into next week’s Nairobi talks on a global, legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, warning that over 19 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year and that the Pacific’s large ocean and limited land space make action urgent. Cancer Prevention: Regional health leaders at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa symposium say cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific is realistic, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening in the UK and Australia and highlighting encouraging HPV self-testing uptake (about 79–82%). Specialist Care in Rarotonga: A visiting Ear, Nose and Throat team from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is in the Cook Islands (June 22–26) delivering complex surgeries and specialist clinics in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Primary Care Workforce: ProCare’s scholarship backs top Māori and Pacific medical students entering general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient, as pressure grows on primary care. Policy & Health Equity: A Cook Islands letter urges voters and leaders to focus on lasting, not election-driven, improvements—tying accountability to real community health needs.

Global Plastic Treaty: Pacific leaders are pushing for stronger action on transboundary plastic pollution ahead of major Nairobi talks next week, noting 19 million tonnes of plastic leak into aquatic ecosystems each year and calling the new legally binding instrument a key step for island nations with limited land space. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Regional health experts say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation if HPV vaccination stays high and screening is strong, pointing to sharp drops in England and Australia and highlighting Pacific momentum through HPV self-testing. Cook Islands Care Access: ENT specialists from Australia’s RACS are in Rarotonga this week (June 22–26) delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. NCD Call to Action: A Cook Islands letter urges practical public-health moves to tackle non-communicable diseases, from free water refill stations and healthier food at events to community gardens and tougher conversations about unhealthy product promotion. Fuel Crisis Pressure: Pacific leaders are responding to ongoing fuel shocks with coordinated planning under the Biketawa Declaration, warning that relief may be slow even if international peace talks progress.

ENT Care in Rarotonga: A Royal Australasian College of Surgeons team is in the Cook Islands (June 22–26) delivering specialist ear, nose and throat clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support—aimed at patients from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results from the UK and Australia, with momentum building through Pacific-led HPV self-testing. NCD Pressure Call: A Cook Islands letter urges faster action on non-communicable diseases, including making healthy food and water easier to access, rethinking sponsorship of unhealthy products, and strengthening local food growing. Workforce Support: ProCare scholarships have recognised top Māori and Pacific medical students entering general practice, including a Cook Islands recipient, highlighting the need to back future primary care clinicians. Climate Risk Prep: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early, practical steps to protect families. Health & Security Link: Cook Islands leaders at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue argued economic resilience and stability are tied to security, citing coordinated planning during the fuel crisis.

ENT Care in Rarotonga: Australian ENT specialists from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons are in the Cook Islands (June 22–26) delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support under the “Oa Tumanava Partnership,” with benefits for patients from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Regional experts say cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific is achievable within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results from the UK and Australia, plus encouraging uptake of HPV self-testing led by Pacific communities. NCD Pressure in the Cook Islands: A letter urges urgent action on non-communicable diseases, calling for easier healthy choices (like water refill stations and healthier options at public events), limits on promotion of unhealthy products, and stronger links between health and food security through community gardens. Workforce Support for Primary Care: ProCare scholarship awards recognise top Māori and Pacific medical students entering the GP pathway, including a Cook Islands recipient, highlighting the need to back future general practice clinicians. Climate & Health Readiness: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts early, stressing practical steps to protect families and reduce risk as conditions vary by country. Policy & Protection: Coverage highlights the Cook Islands’ long-running social protection policy since the 1960s, including pensions and child benefits, as a foundation for leaving no one behind.

Primary Care Workforce: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s GP pathway, including a Cook Islands recipient, backing the next generation of GPs as general practice faces pressure. Specialist Care in Rarotonga: A visiting ENT team from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is in the Cook Islands (June 22–26) with Te Marae Ora and Australian support, delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries for Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to HPV vaccination and strong screening, with momentum from HPV self-testing. NCDs and Prevention: A letter urges action on non-communicable diseases, calling for easier healthy choices (like water refill stations), better food environments, and community gardens to strengthen food security. Climate and Health Readiness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early, practical steps to protect families. Health Policy Context: Cook Islands social protection policy is highlighted as long-running (since the 1960s), designed to support vulnerable people and children.

Medical Workforce Boost: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s GP pathway, including a Cook Islands recipient, backing future general practice and whānau-centred care. Specialist Care in Rarotonga: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ENT specialists are visiting Rarotonga and the Pa Enua (June 22–26) with Te Marae Ora, delivering clinics and complex surgeries supported by Australia’s partnership funding. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific leaders and clinicians say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening, with HPV self-testing uptake highlighted as a key driver. NCD Pressure Call: A Cook Islands letter urges action on non-communicable diseases, pushing for easier healthy choices, limits on unhealthy product promotion, and stronger links between health and food security. Health & Travel Rules: The Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions and border opening only when confident there’s no community transmission. Climate Risk Prep: SPREP urges communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early planning to protect families and health.

GP Workforce Support: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s GP pathway, including Cook Islands recipient Claudia Bloy, backing future general practice and whānau-focused care. Cancer Prevention: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer elimination is achievable within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening, with momentum boosted by HPV self-testing uptake. Specialist Care in Rarotonga: RACS ENT specialists are in the Cook Islands (June 22–26) delivering clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Public Health & Travel: The Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited medical exemptions, as borders remain closed until transmission risk is low. Community Health & Safety: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urges a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, warning harm often starts in families and villages before police see cases. Regional Climate Risk: SPREP calls on Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early action to protect families.

GP Workforce Support: ProCare has awarded scholarships to top Māori and Pacific medical students in Auckland’s MBChB GP pathway, including a Cook Islands recipient, backing future general practice with a focus on training, wellbeing and community-led care. Specialist Care in Rarotonga: A visiting Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ENT team is in the Cook Islands (June 22–26), delivering specialist clinics and complex surgeries in partnership with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s budget support. Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific health leaders say cervical cancer can be virtually eliminated within a generation, pointing to strong HPV vaccination and screening results and highlighting HPV self-testing uptake as a key driver. Drug & Health System Link: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, warning that families and communities often see harm first—before police action. NCD Pressure: A Cook Islands letter calls out the country’s high NCD burden and urges practical prevention steps like healthier food at public events, community gardens, and stronger action on harmful product promotion. Regional Security & Resilience: Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana argued at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue that economic resilience and security are linked, citing coordinated planning during the fuel crisis. Public Health Travel Rules: The Cook Islands says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions and border reopening tied to low transmission risk.

Cervical cancer elimination: Pacific clinicians and researchers say cervical cancer can be virtually eradicated within a generation, pointing to high HPV vaccination and strong screening as the key drivers, with HPV self-testing highlighted as a practical Pacific-led pathway. Public health & safety: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, warning that health harms often show up first in families and communities long before police action. Medicinal cannabis access: A letter says the Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law isn’t helping residents in practice because there’s no local pharmacy supply and medicine can’t be posted—leaving patients to travel abroad repeatedly. Mosquito-borne disease alert: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge people to remove standing water and protect against bites. Climate readiness: SPREP called on Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early action to protect families. Community health workforce: New Zealand welcomed a record cohort of Pacific medical graduates, with cultural connection described as helping patients feel understood and share concerns sooner. NCD pressure: A letter urges action on non-communicable diseases, calling for easier healthy choices, limits on promotion of unhealthy products, and stronger links between health and food security.

Cervical Cancer Elimination: Pacific leaders, clinicians and researchers say cervical cancer can be virtually eradicated within a generation, pointing to high HPV vaccination and strong screening, with HPV self-testing highlighted as a Pacific-led pathway. Public Health & Prevention: A travel-related dengue case has been reported on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge people to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Drug Trafficking Response: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams calls for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, arguing health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together, with communities acting early. Local Health Access: A letter warns Cook Islands medicinal cannabis rules aren’t working for residents because there’s no local supply and medicine can’t be posted—leaving patients to travel abroad. Social Protection: Cook Islands’ social protection policy, in place since the 1960s, is highlighted as a long-running safety net for pensions and child benefits. Regional Resilience: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts, stressing early action and staying informed. Sports & Community: Record interest in the Zespri AIMS Games Tauranga shows 14,506 entries and growing participation, including international schools from the Cook Islands. Regional Security & Crime: Experts at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue warn transnational crime is now established, calling for stronger regional and community cooperation. Moana Pasifika Update: NZ Rugby confirms Moana Pasifika won’t be in Super Rugby Pacific from 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet capital and business plan requirements.