Health
Health news in brief
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
January 29, 2025
‘First 1000 Days’ focus for annual health conference
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora, the Ministry of Health, is focusing on reducing the rate of childhood obesity, with the goal of ensuring that today’s children are free from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from 2030 onwards.
Health Ministry increases due diligence on medical clearance for expatriate workers
Monday 27 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry of Health has increased due diligence assessments of medical clearance for expatriate workers to ensure that they are HIV negative.
Mental health training for frontline workers
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands mental health organisation, Te Kainga o Pa Taunga, is planning to hold various workshops and training sessions this year. Dates for these events are yet to be confirmed.
Te Marae Ora launches free whooping cough booster campaign
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
In response to the recent outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Aotearoa New Zealand, health authorities have initiated the rollout of the free BOOSTRIX booster vaccination.
Cummings embrace human-centered design to improve immunisation rates
Tuesday 14 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National, Outer Islands
Hearing about something new can bring about mixed feelings, excitement, the desire to learn more, an opportunity for growth and so many questions!
Risk of new human hetapneumovirus low, says TMO
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health says the risk of the new Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), to the Cook Islands is low.
$3.5 million grant to enhance the resilience of Airport operations
Thursday 9 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, Local, National
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a US$2 million (NZ$3.5m) grant agreement with the Government of the Cook Islands to boost support for an ongoing project, which is improving the country’s resilience to cross-border health risks and the early detection of disease outbreaks for passengers entering the country by air.
Survey highlights local women’s contraceptive use and challenges
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
A recent survey on contraception use and access among women aged 15 to 49 in the Cook Islands has revealed crucial insights into their contraceptive practices and the barriers they encounter in accessing these essential health services.
Ciguatera poisoning cases reported: Williams
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
Secretary of Health Bob Williams confirmed that three cases of ciguatera poisoning had been recorded in recent weeks.
Three little miracles: Christmas babies born in Rarotonga
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A rare and joyful occasion unfolded at the Rarotonga Hospital this Christmas as three babies were born on December 25, bringing extra cheer to the maternity ward.
New mammography machine offers improved breast cancer detection
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, Local
The arrival of the new mammography machine in the Cook Islands marks a significant advancement in women’s health, enabling earlier detection of breast cancer and potentially saving lives.
Hospital gifted transfer wheelchairs
Friday 20 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Land Holdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have donated 19 I-MOVE BMB Medical transfer wheelchairs to Te Marae Ora that will allow the reception of the patient and his/her transport in a sitting position.
Te Marae Ora prepares for potential whooping cough outbreak
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National, Tourism
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is in ‘preparation phase’ as it continues to monitor the status of pertussis (whooping cough) in New Zealand.
Atiu commits to healthier future
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National, Outer Islands
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, in partnership with Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), has re-opened the Atiu Dental Clinic and launched the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Health Plan 2024+, aiming to improve health outcomes and promote a healthier lifestyle on the island.
Hospital emergency staff treated to Christmas lunch
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, Local, National
The Rarotonga hospital’s emergency department staff and their partners were treated to a special Christmas lunch by the Crown Beach Resort and Spa a week ago on Sunday.
Celebrating investment in healthcare workforce with graduation ceremony
Saturday 14 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Health, National, Weekend
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing students and other healthcare professionals, recognising their dedication and the importance of investing in local healthcare education to improve community health services.
Internship programme aims to ease transition for new nurses
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has launched a new programme to support newly qualified nurses in transitioning to the clinical setting, providing a structured 12-month programme focusing on clinical competence, practical performance and soft skills across various healthcare settings.
Cook Islands Rugby Union pilots healthy living programme to combat NCDs
Thursday 12 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National, Rugby Union, Sports
About 50 students of Apii Arorangi participated in a three-week pilot healthy living programme organised by the Cook Islands Rugby Union, which entailed progressive activity built into a tournament.
TMO launches initiative to combat ‘underdiagnosed’ sleep apnoea
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is addressing the underdiagnosed issue of sleep apnoea through a new sleep clinic initiative, with the aim of improving public health and reducing related health complications.
