Health
Guest speaker eyes health services
Saturday 12 May 2018 | Published in Health
He might be here on a flying visit to support this year’s Red Cross Charity Ball, but New Zealand doctor Lance O’Sullivan is cramming as much as he possibly can into his three days here in the Cook Islands.
Sexual relationships – consent is key
Monday 7 May 2018 | Published in Health
This story is part two of a two-part series examining sex researcher Dr Debi Futter-Puati’s work regarding sex and sexual relationships amongst Cook Islands youth.
Mobile clinic a big boost for health services
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Published in Health
A project aiming to boost access to health clinics on Rarotonga has gone from dream to completion, thanks to the dedication of a group of Rotary Club members in Masterton, New Zealand.
Health issues water warnings
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Health
Rarotonga residents have been urged to take extra precautions against possible health issues following extensive flooding on the island this week.
Water supply may contain sediment
Thursday 29 March 2018 | Published in Health
Some water supplied to Rarotonga households may still contain sediment, following the heavy rain which hit the island this week.
Killer disease alert
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Cook Islands authorities are keeping a close eye on border control in the wake of an outbreak of life-threatening meningococcal disease in Fiji.
World Tuberculosis Day is today
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Published in Health
World TB Day, observed on March 24 each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly 1.5 million people each year, mostly in developing countries.
Bid to restart Alcoholics Anonymous group
Thursday 8 March 2018 | Published in Health
New Zealand is donating $50,000 to mental health in the Cook Islands, and a portion of that money will go towards alcohol awareness and restarting local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
Local plants have antiseptic properties
Friday 2 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Research conducted by medical experts shows that some Rarotongan plant products have antiseptic properties that can reduce the possibility of skin infections, vindicating the long-held beliefs of Maori medicine practitioners.
Cook Islands rate low in antibiotic resistance
Wednesday 28 February 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
Antibiotic resistance is increasing all around the Pacific Islands, but in the Cook Islands it is not a problem yet.
Cook Islands on dengue alert
Wednesday 21 February 2018 | Published in Health
With a new outbreak of dengue in surrounding Pacific islands, the Cook Islands Ministry of Health held a stakeholders meeting last Friday to examine the state of dengue surrounding the Cooks, and at prevention measures.
Mental health debate ongoing
Thursday 15 February 2018 | Published in Health
Last Thursday’s Speakers Debate at the national auditorium saw an hour-long, at times inspiring and emotional, talk about the effectiveness of mental health in the Cook Islands, which was followed by discussion where panellists seemed at times reluctant to engage with questions from the public.
'Miracle' ointment not what it seems
Monday 12 February 2018 | Published in Health
Bottles of mass-produced coconut cooking oil are being passed off as the medicinal herbal ointment akari pi, also known as “Mauke miracle oil”.
Debate on mental health issues
Tuesday 6 February 2018 | Published in Health
Prominent members of the community and the health sector will air their views on how effectively mental health issues are being addressed in the Cook Islands at a Speaker’s debate on Thursday.
New medical service could save lives
Tuesday 30 January 2018 | Published in Health
A medical information service collecting health data across the Pacific is on its way to the Cook Islands.
Local chickens potential food source
Monday 29 January 2018 | Published in Health
The ministry of agriculture is awaiting the final outcome of a study of island chickens and their potential for use as a food source.
Doctor makes history
Thursday 25 January 2018 | Published in Health
Dr Terrence Henry has returned to his home of Rarotonga after completing his formal postgraduate training in Fiji – and making history for the Cook Islands.
Chickenpox warning for island
Wednesday 24 January 2018 | Published in Health
An outbreak of chickenpox on Rarotonga could pose a threat to schools as the new academic year gets underway.
Another ambulance for Rarotonga
Monday 22 January 2018 | Published in Health
The Ministry of Health is looking to procure a new ambulance for the Rarotonga Hospital.
Relief doctors plan to return
Monday 22 January 2018 | Published in Health
Relief doctors, who have been helping at Rarotonga hospital over the Christmas period are set to leave the island this month, but are planning to return here for good once they have completed their studies.
