AGP Executive Report

Ocean Health & Climate Action: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu says World Oceans Day must translate into urgent, coordinated protection as the Pacific faces a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, pointing to new international legal momentum for ocean safeguards. Food Security & Health Impacts: UN agencies warn the Hormuz crisis is pushing up transport and fuel costs, worsening hunger and forcing malnourished children to be turned away from clinics in Afghanistan, with Somalia also seeing sharp increases in acute food insecurity. Pacific Health & Violence Prevention: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in intimate partner violence against women, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), highlighting the role of the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government prevention and response work. Nutrition Policy: Doctors and public health bodies are urging Australia and New Zealand to make health star ratings mandatory on packaged foods to tackle rising obesity, after voluntary uptake fell well below targets. Medicines & Care Access: A Pacific-focused report flags how illicit drug markets are spreading beyond Fiji, with early warning signs of HIV and tuberculosis appearing in neighbouring island communities. Health Funding Pressure: Vanuatu’s public health director says global WHO funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the US withdrawal leaves major gaps and raises questions about whether China can fill both funding and leadership roles.

Ocean Health & Climate Policy: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu used World Oceans Day to push urgent, shared ocean stewardship, warning of a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and pointing to new international legal momentum for stronger protection. Food Security & Health Impacts: UN agencies say the Strait of Hormuz crisis is feeding into hunger and clinic strain, with rising energy and transport costs linked to more people facing acute food insecurity and malnourished children being turned away from medical services. Pacific Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km², including a total fishing ban, as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that also links to Vanuatu for long-term fisheries and ecosystem health. Vanuatu Health Funding Pressure: Vanuatu’s public health director says global WHO funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the WHO operates without US support and faces a leadership and financing gap. Violence Against Women (Local Data): Vanuatu reported a drop in intimate partner physical/sexual violence by nine percentage points from 2009 to 2024, with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and partners credited for prevention and response efforts.

Global Hunger Watch: With the Strait of Hormuz still unstable, UN agencies say higher fuel and transport costs are feeding into hunger—WFP warns millions more could face acute food insecurity, including new pressure in Somalia and Afghanistan where malnourished children are being turned away from clinics. Vanuatu Health Funding: Vanuatu’s director of public health says global WHO funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the WHO now faces a major leadership and budget gap after the US withdrawal. Violence Against Women: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in physical or sexual partner violence by husbands/partners, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), though the pace still needs to accelerate. Pacific Food Safety: EU-backed training in Suva targets new EU food safety rules for freezer vessels, aiming to protect access to the EU seafood market for Pacific Island exporters. Medicines & Care Access: A Pacific-wide health security concern is emerging as illicit drug activity spreads beyond Fiji, with early warning signs for HIV and tuberculosis in neighbouring islands. Community Safety: Reports from Australia highlight serious head injuries after hammer and park assaults, underscoring ongoing public health and emergency response needs.

Pacific health & ties: Australia’s Order of Australia honours diplomat Ewen McDonald and Monash Health sonographer Peter Coombs for work strengthening Pacific relationships, including education and health links. Access to care: In New Mexico, gender-affirming care is legally protected, but patients still face long specialist waits and provider refusals that can force treatment interruptions. Vanuatu violence prevention: Vanuatu reports a faster decline in intimate partner physical/sexual violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with progress credited to Vanuatu Women’s Centre and government response efforts. HIV/TB warning signs: Security and health experts warn illicit drug activity in the Pacific could spread, with early signals of HIV and tuberculosis risk in places like Tonga and Solomon Islands. Health funding pressure: Vanuatu says global WHO funding cuts are disrupting malaria, TB and HIV programmes as the US withdraws and China steps up as the biggest assessed contributor. Food safety for Pacific fisheries: EU rules training in Suva targets compliance for freezer vessels, aiming to protect access to the EU seafood market for Pacific exporters. Marine protection with health links: Papua New Guinea moves to protect a Western Manus marine area with a major fishing ban, part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor that also includes Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Violence Watch: Vanuatu’s partner-violence rate against women fell from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with faster recent progress in the past year—good news, but still under 1% annual improvement, as prevention and response work by the Vanuatu Women’s Centre continues. Pacific Health Funding Pressure: Vanuatu is urging support at the WHO World Health Assembly as global funding cuts and the US withdrawal from WHO threaten programmes including malaria, TB and HIV. Regional HIV & TB Warning Signs: Australia-linked reporting flags rising meth and “warning signs” of HIV and TB spread in Pacific neighbours like Tonga and Solomon Islands, echoing Fiji’s earlier pattern. Medicinal Cannabis & Road Safety: NSW proposes a THC limit exemption for prescribed medicinal cannabis patients, but roadside tongue-swab bans could still apply—raising practical access and safety concerns. Ocean Health & Food Security: Papua New Guinea announced a major Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban, framed as conservation that must still protect local food and livelihoods—part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor including Vanuatu. EU Food Safety for Pacific Fishing: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting to the EU, with compliance tied to market access.

Vanuatu Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s director of public health, Jenny Stephens, says global health cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, and she’s lobbying the WHO for new international support as the US withdraws and China steps in as the biggest assessed contributor. Violence Against Women Update: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in physical or sexual partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre and partners credited for prevention and response work. Pacific HIV and TB Warning Signs: A Pacific drug spread is raising concern, with meth traces found in Tonga wastewater and low levels of HIV and TB flagged in places like Solomon Islands and Tonga—seen as early warning signs after Fiji’s HIV crisis. Medicinal Cannabis Driving Rules (Regional): NSW proposes a THC limit exemption for medicinal cannabis patients, but roadside saliva positives could still trigger bans—highlighting the need for clear public health and safety rules. Ocean Health Link to Food Security: PNG announces a major no-take Western Manus marine protected area (over 200,000 km²) as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor connecting PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu—aimed at protecting biodiversity while sustaining fisheries. Food Safety for Pacific Exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu train on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting to the EU.

Vanuatu Health Funding Push: Vanuatu’s director of public health, Jenny Stephens, is lobbying at the WHO World Health Assembly as global funding cuts hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US withdrawal leaving a major gap and China now stepping in as the biggest assessed contributor. Violence Prevention Win: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global drop in physical or sexual partner violence by husbands/partners, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), showing progress from Vanuatu Women’s Centre prevention and response work. Pacific Health Security Watch: A new warning from Pacific and health experts says illicit drugs are showing up beyond Fiji—traces of meth in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” in the Solomon Islands—raising concern for rising HIV and TB risk. Medicinal Cannabis Driving Rules: NSW proposes a THC limit exemption for medicinal cannabis patients (with lab testing), but roadside swabs could still trigger bans, keeping pressure on safe, clear rules. Regional Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu train on new EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Ocean Protection for Health: PNG announces a Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban, aiming to protect biodiversity while supporting long-term food and income—part of a corridor that includes Vanuatu.

Housing & Mental Health: Victoria’s mental health royal commission housing target is under fire after an update suggested only 505 of 2,000 promised social homes are being delivered, leaving nearly 1,500 unaccounted for. HIV & Drug-Related Disease Risk: Pacific health experts warn illicit meth and related signals are spreading beyond Fiji, with wastewater traces in Tonga and the Solomon Islands raising concern for HIV and TB risk. Vanuatu Violence Against Women: Vanuatu reports a nine-point drop in physical or sexual partner violence since 2009, from 44% to 35% in 2024, with faster recent improvement in current prevalence. Pacific Health Support: India says it has delivered a haemodialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa, building on earlier dialysis support to Kiribati. Vanuatu Health Funding Pressure: Reporting from Vanuatu’s WHO push highlights how global funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes as the US withdraws from the WHO. Ocean Protection for Health: PNG plans a huge no-take Western Manus marine protected area, part of a Melanesian Ocean corridor that includes Vanuatu, aiming to protect fisheries and biodiversity. Medicinal Cannabis Driving: NSW proposes a THC limit for medicinal cannabis patients to avoid charges, though roadside bans may still apply pending lab results.

Vanuatu Health Policy & Funding: Vanuatu is urging support at the WHO after global funding cuts hit malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with the US withdrawal leaving major gaps and China now stepping in as the biggest assessed contributor. NCDs & Cancer Care: In a KmK interview, Vanuatu’s Acting DG of Health said the Ministry’s NCD push includes scaling up breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment at Vanuatu National Hospital, but shortages of trained staff are slowing progress. Climate Justice & Health: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark climate resolution tied to an ICJ ruling that states must prevent climate harm—an issue Vanuatu helped bring to court, with activists still facing persecution. Violence Against Women: Vanuatu reports a faster-than-global decline in intimate partner violence, down from 44% (2009) to 35% (2024), though the pace remains too slow. Regional Health Capacity: Vanuatu’s health sector is also building links through regional partnerships, including support for nursing and training pathways. Disaster Response Recognition: A New Zealand engineer was honoured for emergency work in Vanuatu, including helping evacuate crash victims and coordinating rescue after the Port Vila earthquake.

Global Health Funding: Vanuatu’s director of public health says cuts after the US withdrawal from the WHO are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the WHO now faces a leadership and funding gap with China stepping in as the biggest assessed contributor. Cancer Care & Workforce: In Vanuatu’s health sector update, Acting DG Dr Santus Wari says a push on non-communicable diseases includes scaling breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment at Vanuatu National Hospital, but shortages of trained staff are driving regional support trips to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen has been awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration for engineering leadership during a Port Vila plane crash response and the December 2024 earthquake, highlighting cross-border emergency support in Vanuatu. Ocean Health & Fisheries: Papua New Guinea plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary in the Bismarck Sea, designed to protect biodiversity and support long-term fisheries sustainability, with Vanuatu named in the regional conservation corridor. Climate & Health Risks: UN climate reporting warns that oil-price shocks from Strait of Hormuz instability could add over US$20 billion to vulnerable economies’ fuel bills, squeezing public services for nearly a billion people.

WHO Funding Push for Vanuatu: Vanuatu’s director of public health, Jenny Stephens, says global cuts after the US withdrawal are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, as the Pacific seeks new support at the World Health Assembly. Cancer Care Focus: In Vanuatu, health leaders are pushing for stronger NCD and cancer screening and treatment, including calls to set up oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital, but staffing shortages remain a major barrier. Regional Health Capacity Building: FAO-backed training in Samoa and Fiji targets sustainable forestry management to strengthen climate resilience—important for protecting ecosystems that communities rely on. Pacific Health Equipment Support: India reports delivering a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC commitments, boosting access to essential care. Disaster Response Recognition: A New Zealand Army engineer has been honoured for emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, highlighting the value of rapid response systems for saving lives. Maritime Safety and Health Risk: Reports of drone attacks damaging a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea injured crew members, underlining ongoing risks to civilian transport routes.

GEF Funding Push: Ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly, the Global Environment Facility says it’s moving into a new cycle focused on “impact, speed and scale,” as multilateral funding and delivery remain under pressure. Vanuatu Health Funding Gap: Vanuatu’s director of public health, Jenny Stephens, says global funding cuts are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes after the US withdrawal from the WHO, while China is now the biggest assessed contributor—raising questions about whether it can also fill leadership gaps. NCDs and Cancer Care Focus: In Vanuatu, health leaders are pushing Non-Communicable Diseases work, including screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer at Vanuatu National Hospital, but warn the main bottleneck is shortages of trained staff. Pacific Health Sector Support: Regional partnerships are backing health sector growth, while New Caledonia is convening health workers to tackle chronic disease, youth addictions, workforce gaps and long-term care costs. Disaster Response Recognition: A New Zealand Army engineer, WO2 Rob Allen, was awarded for lifesaving emergency engineering work in Vanuatu after a plane crash and the Port Vila earthquake. Health Tech Aid: India reports delivering a haemodialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC commitments.

Vanuatu Health Funding at Risk: Vanuatu says global health cuts after the US withdrawal from the WHO are hitting malaria, TB and HIV programmes, with WHO now facing a leadership and funding gap as China steps in as the biggest assessed contributor. Cancer Care Push: In a Vanuatu health sector update, Acting DG Dr Santus Wari says the Ministry is driving non-communicable disease work, including plans to expand screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer at Vanuatu National Hospital, but stresses a major shortage of trained staff. Pacific Health Workforce Links: A regional partnership focus highlights support for Vanuatu’s health sector growth, including training and staffing pathways discussed in recent regional engagement. Disaster Response Recognition: A New Zealand engineer seconded to Vanuatu’s Mobile Force has been awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving emergency engineering work during a Port Vila plane crash response and the December earthquake. Health System Strain in the Region: New Caledonia health leaders meet to tackle chronic disease, youth addictions, caregiver shortages and costly medical evacuations, aiming for practical, sustainable reforms.

Global Health Funding: Vanuatu’s public health director says US WHO withdrawal has cut support for malaria, TB and HIV programmes, while China is now the biggest assessed WHO contributor—raising questions about whether Beijing can also fill leadership gaps. Cancer & NCD Care: In a Vanuatu health sector update, Acting DG Dr Santus Wari says NCDs include cancer care, with calls to set up oncology and cancer management services at Vanuatu National Hospital, but progress is held back by nursing and trained staff shortages. Disaster Response Recognition: New Zealand engineer WO2 Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for emergency engineering work in Vanuatu, including helping evacuate crash victims near Port Vila and coordinating search and rescue after the 17 December Port Vila earthquake. Maritime Health Risk: Reports say Russian drones hit Vanuatu-flagged cargo ships in the Black Sea, injuring crew and sparking fires—highlighting ongoing dangers to civilian workers and the need for rapid medical evacuation. Regional Health Partnerships: Coverage points to regional partnerships supporting growth in the Vanuatu health sector.

NCD & Cancer Care Focus: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing Non-Communicable Diseases work, with special attention on breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment, but says the biggest barrier is staffing—prompting a regional trip to strengthen training and future medical opportunities. Disaster Response Recognition: A New Zealand Army engineer seconded to the Vanuatu Mobile Force has been awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration for lifesaving emergency engineering support after a Port Vila plane crash and the December earthquake. Health System Support in the Pacific: India has delivered a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa, fulfilling a commitment made under FIPIC-III—highlighting ongoing regional moves to strengthen dialysis capacity. Maritime Health & Safety Risks: Reports of drone attacks in the Black Sea include a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship (ANT) hit while traveling from Odesa to Turkey, injuring crew and triggering onboard fire response—underscoring ongoing risks to civilian transport routes.

NCD & cancer care push: Vanuatu’s Acting DG of Health Dr Santus Wari says the Ministry’s NCD policy now includes cancer screening and treatment, with Prime Minister Jotham Napathas urging oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital by year-end—though the biggest hurdle is staffing and trained workers, prompting a regional trip to strengthen skills and support. Regional health capacity: New Caledonia health leaders meet for three days in Nouméa to tackle chronic disease, youth addictions, caregiver shortages, costly medical evacuations, and long-term financial strain, focusing on making health jobs more attractive, reorganising care, and stabilising funding. Pacific health cooperation: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights delivery of a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit to Samoa under FIPIC-III commitments, echoing earlier dialysis support to Kiribati. Emergency response recognition: New Zealand’s Rob Allen wins a Distinguished Service Decoration for engineering leadership during a Vanuatu plane crash response and the Port Vila earthquake search-and-rescue. Maritime health risk context: Reports of drone attacks in the Black Sea include Vanuatu-flagged vessels—raising safety concerns for crews and medical evacuation needs.