Health
'Cancer burden' a Pacific health concern: Herman
Thursday 8 August 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Secretary for Health Dr Josephine Herman has called for a strengthened regional approach to combat what is known in the Pacific as the “cancer burden”.
Price of drinkable water: $1 a day
Saturday 3 August 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
A household in Rarotonga could pay from $33 to $71 a month in water bills, government’s project management unit estimates.
No chlorine in your water
Saturday 3 August 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
No chemicals have been used on the new water project, Te Mato Vai says. The project management unit and contractor McConnell Dowell are concerned some community members believe chemicals are currently being used for treatment of the water supply.
Cooks and Pacific lagging on health and water – UN
Friday 2 August 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Cook Islands and the rest of the Pacific will not be able to achieve any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, warned a United Nations agency.
Suspected breast cancer samples sent for testing
Wednesday 31 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Ten samples from suspected breast cancer cases have been sent to New Zealand labs for further testing.
Anolyte champion in last-ditch bid
Saturday 27 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Scientist Dr Ian Calhaem concurs with the Cook Islands authorities that the water in the islands need to be made safe to drink.
Lobby group launches anti-chlorine petition
Saturday 27 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
A petition against chlorinating Rarotonga’s drinking water will be distributed today.
Health leaders' stark warning: Sickness, death – or chlorination
Wednesday 24 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Health experts have stepped up with forthright warnings about the need for a disinfection tool like chlorine to combat the dangers of waterborne illnesses.
High bacteria levels in water
Monday 22 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Government says independent tests confirm the island’s water supply has high levels of potentially harmful bacteria that can be removed through disinfection.
Raising the profile of nurses
Saturday 20 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The importance of raising the profiles of nurses and recognising their efforts in the community and the nation is important.
Better health referral system agreed
Tuesday 16 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Cook Islands patients referred for medical care in New Zealand often get lost in the system, unable to understand how it works.
Chlorination was 'always envisaged' by Government
Tuesday 16 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Chlorination is the most appropriate option to disinfect Rarotonga’s drinking water and protect the elderly and vulnerable from lethal illness, says the ministry boss responsible for the drinking water projects.
Chlorine is in the country
Saturday 13 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Government is ready to spend $500,000 a year on 100 tonnes of chlorination chemicals. The public has been kept in the dark about chlorination chemicals already shipped into the country for the pipeline project.
Health plan to respond to addiction
Friday 12 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The country is urgently working to pull together a health strategy to deal with drug addicts, as part of the Ministry of Health’s plans for next year.
Cooks goal: The first smoke-free islands
Thursday 11 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Vivian Inangaro Taia started smoking at the age of 14. She would have to hide with her friends. By the age of 23, the Mitiaro mum had begun to smoke openly.
Keep abreast of your health
Tuesday 9 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Women don’t like talking about getting their breasts checked. It’s a taboo subject for some.
Unique plantain varieties protected in overseas bunker
Saturday 6 July 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Banana crops around the world are facing collapse because of a devastating disease – so the Cooks have taken a step to safeguard the country’s colourful range of fruit.
'We don't want typhoid in our country' – Brown
Saturday 6 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
The tender to buy chemicals to disinfect drinking water has been put on hold.
'Duplicity' over chlorine in water
Thursday 4 July 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
The decision to chlorinate the water supply is a done deal, critics say, despite a public consultation process.
Preschool teachers confronted by erratic meth mums
Tuesday 2 July 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
“I picked up a child for kindy at one time and the child looked like she was not cleaned the night before. She sat on the car seat, looking like she was not there. Food was hanging on her face.”
