Health
Rarotonga households meet hygiene standards in initial Tutaka inspections
Thursday 27 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Health, National
Despite some minor exceptions, the Tutaka programme inspections in Rarotonga have generally found well-maintained households and no major health issues have been identified so far.
Rarotonga marks World Down Syndrome Day
Saturday 22 March 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Features, Health, Local, National, Weekend
A World Down Syndrome Day fundraiser held at Rarotonga’s Punanga Nui Market raised over $1000 for the Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association.
11 chickenpox cases confirmed, parents urged to be vigilant
Friday 21 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Cook Islands is experiencing ‘sporadic’ chickenpox cases, primarily in young children, prompting health officials to urge vigilance but not yet declare an outbreak.
Tereora College opens new counselling space
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
A newly relocated Counselling Space at Tereora College is now open, offering support services for students dealing with various challenges.
Rarotonga residents urged to prepare for Tutaka
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Rarotonga residents are being urged to prepare for the upcoming Tutaka, a biannual public health inspection initiative, aimed at ensuring clean and safe living environments.
Solar power project to boost hospital’s sustainability
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
A new solar power system is set to be installed at Rarotonga Hospital, marking a significant step toward renewable energy use in the Cook Islands’ healthcare sector.
Five Cook Islanders awarded counselling scholarships to boost community support
Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
Five individuals from Rarotonga and Atiu received scholarships from Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to study counselling and improve community mental health support.
Multisectoral approach to assess risks towards enhanced health security
Thursday 6 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National
In response to the increasing frequency and severity of health emergencies and natural hazards like tropical cyclones becoming more frequent and severe, the Cook Islands is taking proactive measures to safeguard its population by organising a workshop aimed at bolstering the nation’s health security.
TMO trains new midwives, aims to grow workforce
Wednesday 5 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
With an aim to grow its own workforce, Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health is ensuring that its medical staff are trained well to deserve the best care services in the country.
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.
