The Cook Islands Public Health Bill 2024 that aims to protect and promote the health of all people of the Cook Islands by reducing the incidence of disease and ill-health was passed on Thursday.

The Bill which will come into force by Order in the Executive Council also encourages planning and community involvement to deliver better health outcomes.

The Bill authorises the appointment of a medical officer from Te Marae Ora (TMO) to advise the secretary on public health matters and carry out any functions delegated to the medical officer of health under the bill.

Opposition Leader Tina Browne supported the bill aiming to reduce diseases in the Cook Island and encourage planning and community involvement to deliver better health.

“Both are excellent objectives. We are all aware of where we are … of our health and its problems in the Cook Islands,” Browne said.

“I’m glad this Public Health Bill is tabled to repeal the 2004 one and to see how it is we can assist our population from annihilating them.

“We know the types of diseases we have: high blood pressure, diabetes and (we’ve) heard those dying of old age that’s ok, but dying of health … hope the bill will make a difference.”

Minister for Health Rose Toki-Brown stated that a review of the Public Health Act was suggested in 2018, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.