AGP Executive Report

NCD Call to Action: A Cook Islands letter urges urgent action after the country was ranked among the world’s worst for non-communicable diseases, arguing for practical fixes like making healthy food and drinks the default, rethinking how sugary products are promoted, and boosting community gardens to strengthen food security. Drug Crisis Response: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams says the Pacific needs a tougher, coordinated approach to drug trafficking that treats health, climate, peace and security as one problem—warning that families and community workers often see harm first, long before police action. Dengue Alert (Regional): Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, with officials saying the risk of local spread is low but urging people to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Dengue Activity (Pacific): Another report highlights elevated dengue activity across several Pacific islands, with Cook Islands among places seeing cases, reinforcing the need for mosquito control and hospital readiness. Medicinal Cannabis Access Gap: A letter says medicinal cannabis law is not helping local patients because there’s no local pharmacy supply and medicine can’t be posted—leaving residents to travel abroad for refills. Health Workforce (NZ): New Zealand welcomed a record number of Pacific medical graduates, with doctors highlighting how shared language and cultural connection can improve patient communication and care. Youth Ocean Health: Aitutaki students are combining tradition and marine science to protect the lagoon, including work to remove invasive crown-of-thorns starfish.

Pacific Health Diplomacy: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the crisis hits families and health systems first and that governments must treat health, climate, peace and security as one shared fight. Dengue Alert: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low but are urging people to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Regional Climate Prep: SPREP called on Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action to reduce risks to families and services. Local Wellness & Access: Cook Islands government says future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, with limited exemptions and border rules tied to New Zealand’s transmission status. Community Health Education: On Aitutaki, youth are blending traditional knowledge with marine science to protect the lagoon, including hands-on work to remove invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Policy & Care Gap: A letter warns medicinal cannabis access is effectively out of reach for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and medicines can’t be posted, forcing repeated travel abroad. Health Workforce: New Zealand welcomed a record number of Pacific medical graduates into its health system, highlighting how cultural connection can improve patient communication and care. Airport Safety: Police in Rarotonga warned vaping breaches at the airport continue and may face stronger enforcement.

Drug & health security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying families and health workers often spot the first warning signs long before police act, and calling for prevention, harm reduction and community support alongside interdiction. Dengue alert: Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low, but the reminder is clear—remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Regional crime response: Law enforcement and health voices at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue warned transnational crime is now an established threat, calling for stronger regional and community cooperation, including better digital forensics and surveillance capacity. Local health access gap: A letter highlights a problem with medicinal cannabis access in the Cook Islands—patients can’t fill prescriptions locally and may need repeated travel abroad, leaving residents behind. Community health & safety: Police warned vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue monthly, with enforcement likely to increase.

Dengue Alert (Pacific & travel): Hawai‘i health officials confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor exposed in a dengue-active area; local transmission risk is expected to be low, but the Department of Health is urging people to remove standing water and reduce mosquito breeding sites. Drug Policy (Pacific health leadership): Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams called for a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the crisis harms families and health systems long before police see cases, and urging prevention and harm reduction alongside enforcement. Local Access to Care (medicinal cannabis): A letter warns Cook Islands medicinal cannabis access is effectively out of reach for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and the law doesn’t allow posting or forwarding, forcing patients to travel abroad for refills. Community Health & Safety (airport rules): Police say vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening (up to three a month reported for June so far), with enforcement and scrutiny expected to increase. Health Workforce (regional): New Zealand welcomed a record number of Pacific medical graduates into the health system, highlighting how cultural and language connection can improve patient communication and care. Environment & wellbeing (ocean stewardship): Te Ipukarea Society marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating decades of conservation advocacy tied to community health and a healthier environment.

COVID Travel Rules: The Cook Islands says all future tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with only medical certificates as an exemption, and it won’t reopen quarantine-free travel with New Zealand until it’s confident there’s no community transmission. Drug Harm Response: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams is calling for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, arguing health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together because families and village health workers often see the first warning signs. Dengue Alert (Pacific + Hawaii): A travel-related dengue case has been reported in an Oʻahu visitor, with officials saying the risk of local spread is low but urging people to remove standing water; meanwhile, dengue activity remains elevated across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in multiple islands including the Cook Islands. Menstrual Health: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual wellbeing session for 300+ students at Tereora College, covering the menstrual cycle and reusable, lower-cost options like pads, cups and period underwear. Airport Safety: Police are warning travellers that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport continue, with up to three incidents a month and potential for tougher enforcement.

Drug Policy & Public Health: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams urged a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the harm starts in families and villages long before police see cases, and calling for prevention, harm reduction and community support alongside interdiction. Dengue Watch: Hawai‘i reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low, but they’re urging people to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Regional Dengue Update: A wider Pacific dengue picture shows elevated activity across multiple islands, with thousands of confirmed cases and pressure on hospitals in the region. Menstrual Health & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual wellbeing session for 300+ young women at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear for both health and cost savings. Local Safety & Emergency Response: A letter highlights a public safety gap, arguing TAU’s property “Conn number” mapping system could help emergency services like ambulance, police and fire locate call-outs faster. Environment & Ocean Health: Te Ipukarea Society turns 30, celebrating three decades of conservation advocacy, and Aitutaki youth are blending tradition with marine science to protect the lagoon and tackle invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Community Health Workforce: New Zealand welcomed a record number of Pacific medical graduates into the health system, with cultural connection helping patients feel understood and more able to share symptoms. Airport Rules: Police warned travellers that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening, with increased scrutiny and enforcement possible.

Pacific drug and transnational crime push: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams urged a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, saying the damage often starts in families and villages long before police see cases, and calling for a “bigger choir” linking health, climate, peace and security with interdiction plus prevention, harm reduction and community support. Regional security spotlight: Law enforcement, justice, health and community leaders at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue warned transnational organised crime is now an established threat, with Tonga highlighting how digital crime and limited digital forensics and maritime surveillance capacity are widening the challenge. Dengue alert for travellers: Hawai‘i health officials reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor; local transmission risk is expected to be low, but residents are urged to remove standing water and reduce mosquito breeding. Local health access and prevention: Cook Islands continues cervical screening outreach via CIFWA and Te Marae Ora, with free pap smears for women aged 25–65 across Rarotonga clinics. Community wellness: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran menstrual health sessions for young women, promoting reusable options to cut waste and costs. Youth ocean health: Aitutaki students combined tradition and marine science to protect the lagoon, including removing invasive crown-of-thorns starfish. Policy gap on medicinal cannabis: A letter says medicinal cannabis access is effectively limited for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and patients can’t have medicine posted, forcing repeated travel abroad.

Dengue Alert (Regional): Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health has reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor. Officials say the person is no longer in Hawaiʻi and the expected risk of local spread is low, but they’re urging everyone to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed. Dengue Outbreak Watch (Pacific): A wider Pacific update says dengue activity remains elevated, with multiple countries and territories reporting outbreaks and thousands of confirmed cases since early January. Drug Harm Response (Cook Islands): Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams is calling for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking, arguing health and community prevention must be part of security planning. Women’s Health (Local): Cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga and the Southern Group, with pap smears for women aged 25–65 and clinic dates listed for upcoming weeks. Menstrual Wellbeing (School Program): Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session for young women, promoting reusable products that cut costs and reduce landfill waste. Community Health (NCD Focus): A workshop on Mitiaro highlighted high non-communicable disease rates and pushed for stronger prevention efforts. Access to Care (Medicinal Cannabis Letter): A reader says medicinal cannabis access rules leave local patients unable to fill prescriptions locally, forcing repeated travel abroad. Airport Safety (Travel Rules): Police warn that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening and may face stronger enforcement. Health Workforce (Regional): New Zealand is welcoming a record number of Pacific medical graduates, with doctors highlighting how cultural connection can improve patient communication and care.

Mosquito-borne alerts: Hawai‘i DOH has flagged a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor exposed in a dengue-prone region. Officials say the risk of local spread is low, but teams are doing inspections and mosquito control, and residents are urged to remove standing water (from buckets and containers to rain barrels and plant catch trays) and protect against bites. Workforce and culturally safe care: A record 55 Pacific medical graduates are joining New Zealand’s health system, with Middlemore Hospital taking 19 of the new doctors—highlighting how shared language and cultural connection can help patients open up and seek care. Drug crisis prevention focus: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams is calling for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking that treats health, prevention, harm reduction, and community support as part of the same plan. Local health access gap: A letter warns medicinal cannabis access in the Cook Islands is effectively limited for residents because there’s no local pharmacy supply and the law doesn’t allow medicine to be posted—leaving patients to travel abroad to refill. Community health push: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran menstrual health sessions for young women, promoting reusable options to cut waste and costs. Prevention and screening: Cervical screening outreach continues across Rarotonga clinics, with bookings encouraged. Airport rules enforcement: Police are warning travellers that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening and may face stronger enforcement.

Dengue Watch: Hawai‘i DOH has confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor, with local spread risk considered low; officials say teams are inspecting and stepping up mosquito control, and they’re urging people across the region to remove standing water and protect against bites. Regional Dengue Update: A wider Pacific health bulletin reports dengue activity staying elevated, with multiple countries and territories reporting outbreaks and thousands of confirmed cases since January, including Cook Islands among affected locations. Women’s Health Access: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today and more dates listed across the island, targeting women aged 25–65 for early detection. Menstrual Wellbeing & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a large menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear for both health and waste reduction. Infectious Disease Case Report: New Zealand doctors published a rare severe infection case in a Cook Islands Māori man after a holiday, linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella) and highlighting how serious infections can follow exposure through seafood or water. Community Health & Prevention: A local workshop flagged Cook Islands’ high non-communicable disease burden, pushing a stronger focus on prevention and earlier action. Policy Gap on Medicinal Cannabis: A letter argues medicinal cannabis access laws aren’t working for residents because there’s no local supply and patients can’t have medicine posted, forcing repeated travel abroad. Health, Drugs & Community Response: Cook Islands health secretary Bob Williams called for a coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking that puts prevention, harm reduction and village-level support alongside enforcement.

Dengue Alert: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with outbreaks reported in American Samoa, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu; New Caledonia is the most affected, and across the region (1 Jan–11 Jun 2026) there have been 3,500+ confirmed cases, 156 hospitalisations and 3 deaths, including cases in the Cook Islands—health authorities are urging extra travel precautions. Women’s Health Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today (4:30pm–7pm), then Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9), delivered with CIFWA and Te Marae Ora support. Local Health & Safety: Police are warning travellers that vaping breaches at Rarotonga International Airport are still happening (up to three a month so far in June), with offenders facing tougher scrutiny and enforcement. Preventing NCDs: Community health work is ramping up after Cook Islands data highlighted very high non-communicable disease risk, with a push for prevention-focused action on Mitiaro. Infection Watch: A rare bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands Māori man returning from the islands was linked to a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors noting raw fish may be a possible route and stressing it’s not a reason to stop eating it. Menstrual Wellbeing: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual health session for 300+ students at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear for both health and waste reduction. Blood Donor Thanks: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day, celebrating lifesaving blood donors at Constitution Park. Environment for Health: Te Ipukarea Society represented the Blue Pacific at a Suva convening focused on ocean stewardship, while the National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution.

Dengue Alert: Six Pacific countries and territories are reporting dengue outbreaks, with New Caledonia the hardest hit; across the region there have been 3,500+ confirmed cases, 156 hospitalisations and three deaths since 1 January to 11 June, with the Cook Islands among locations seeing activity—health officials urge extra mosquito-bite precautions, especially for travellers. Cervical Screening Access: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today, then Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9), targeting women aged 25–65 for early detection. Blood Donor Support: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, spotlighting lifesaving blood donations for the community. NCD & Alcohol Risk: A Cook Islands primary care workshop highlighted that 30% of adults drink at hazardous levels and pointed to high non-communicable disease rates, pushing a stronger prevention focus. Menstrual Health & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners ran a menstrual wellbeing session for 300+ students at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear to cut waste and costs. Rare Infection Case: A Cook Islands holiday trip was linked to a rare bloodstream infection in New Zealand caused by a marine bacterium (Shewanella), with doctors urging awareness of serious symptoms after travel. Plastic Pollution Plan: The National Environment Service is supporting a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to reduce landfill and marine litter while strengthening long-term behaviour change and practical alternatives.

Maritime health access: A Cook Islands police commanding officer described how the Guardian-class patrol boat Te Kukupa II acts as a “water ambulance” for medical emergencies and pregnant patients on outer islands, supporting health and search-and-rescue when flights aren’t available. Women’s health & prevention: A free cervical screening clinic is running in Rarotonga, with outreach continuing at Kavera today and further dates listed for Tepiri, Matavera, Avatiu and Inave. Blood safety: Cook Islands Red Cross and the Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day, spotlighting lifesaving blood donations. NCD and alcohol risk: A community push for prevention follows workshop data showing Cook Islands ranks among the highest globally for non-communicable diseases, alongside concerns that 30% of adults drink at hazardous levels. Menstrual wellbeing & sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society and partners delivered a menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear to cut waste and costs. Rare infection after travel: A New Zealand Medical Journal case report links a severe bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands Māori man to a rare marine bacterium after consuming raw fish. Health leadership milestone: Dr Ailsa Wilson became New Zealand’s first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon, credited to mentorship and the Dr Joe Williams Scholarship. Environmental health link: A National Action Plan is being developed to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to protect the lagoon and ocean as well as community health.

Commonwealth Games (Sport & Health): Fiji has named a 58-athlete squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting 23 July, competing in eight sports including athletics, swimming, weightlifting and para athletics. Women’s Health & Waste (Local Wellness): Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual health session for 300+ students at Tereora College, covering the menstrual cycle and reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear to cut both costs and landfill waste. NCD Prevention (Community Health): A Te Kainga Primary Care workshop highlighted Cook Islands’ high non-communicable disease rates and is driving a push for earlier prevention efforts on Mitiaro. Cervical Screening (Women’s Health): Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today (4:30pm–7pm) and further dates listed for Tepiri, Matavera, Avatiu and Inave. Infectious Disease Alert (Health Safety): A New Zealand Medical Journal report describes a rare, severe bloodstream infection in a Cook Islands Māori man linked to a marine bacterium after a holiday, underscoring the risks of rare infections after travel and seafood exposure. Mental Health (Alcohol/Drugs): A mental health workshop is tackling early recognition of emotional distress and addressing alcohol and drug use. Plastic Policy (Environment & Health): The National Environment Service is developing a National Action Plan on plastic pollution, aiming to reduce marine litter and strengthen behaviour change and practical alternatives. Blood Donation (Life-saving Care): Cook Islands Red Cross and the Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park to thank donors and support ongoing supply.

Cervical Cancer Prevention: Free cervical screening continues in Rarotonga with a clinic at Kavera today (4.30pm–7pm), followed by Tepiri (June 18), Matavera (June 25), Avatiu (July 2) and Inave (July 9); bookings are encouraged via 75745. Blood Donation Drive: Cook Islands Red Cross and Te Marae Ora marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, celebrating lifesaving blood donors and the role of the local blood supply. Menstrual Health & Sustainability: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual wellbeing session for 300+ students at Tereora College, promoting reusable options like pads, cups and period underwear to cut waste and household costs. NCD Risk Alarm: A Cook Islands presentation at Te Kainga Primary Care Workshop highlighted that the country ranks third globally for non-communicable disease rates, prompting a push for prevention—especially on Mitiaro. Rare Infection After Travel: A New Zealand Medical Journal case report describes a Cook Islands Māori man hospitalised with a rare bloodstream infection linked to marine bacteria (Shewanella) after a holiday, with doctors noting raw fish as a likely route. Mental Health Awareness Training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is running a weeklong workshop to help communities spot early signs of emotional or psychological distress. Plastic Pollution Action Plan: The National Environment Service is supporting development of a National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to reduce landfill and marine litter while strengthening long-term behaviour change and practical alternatives. Women’s Health & Alcohol Risk: Te Marae Ora highlighted that 30% of Cook Islands adults drink at hazardous levels, calling alcohol a major national health risk factor. Community Safety Note: A letter urges Rarotonga to consider formal street names and house numbering to improve public safety and speed up emergency response. Health Milestone: Dr Ailsa Wilson made history as New Zealand’s first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon, with her Cook Islands heritage and scholarship support spotlighted.

Medical Milestone: Dr Ailsa Wilson has become New Zealand’s first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon, working at Tauranga Hospital and crediting mentorship, cultural identity, and the Dr Joe Williams Scholarship. Community Health: Te Ipukarea Society, CIFWA and RedPack ran a menstrual health session at Tereora College, promoting reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear for both health and lower waste. NCD Prevention Push: A Te Kainga Primary Care workshop highlighted Cook Islands’ high non-communicable disease risk, with a focus on earlier prevention and community action. Women’s Health Access: Free cervical screening continues with a Kavera clinic today, with outreach dates across Rarotonga and bookings encouraged. Blood Safety: Cook Islands Red Cross and the Health Ministry marked World Blood Donor Day at Constitution Park, thanking lifesaving donors. Infection Alert: A rare Shewanella bloodstream infection was linked to a Cook Islands trip after raw fish consumption, underscoring the need for careful food handling. Mental Health Training: Te Kainga O Pa Taunga’s weeklong course is training people to spot early signs of emotional distress and strengthen community awareness. Plastic Pollution Plan: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to cut plastic pollution through coordinated policy, behaviour change and practical alternatives. Public Safety Note: A letter urges Rarotonga to adopt clearer street naming and house numbering to speed up emergency response.