Health
Vaping among children prompts proposal to raise smoking age
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Ministry of Health proposes to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 and implement new measures on imitation tobacco products like vape and e-cigarettes to reduce smoking rates in the country.
Public invited to discuss Health Bill, medicinal cannabis access
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Health Secretary Bob Williams says it is important for the public to know and understand the Public Health Bill, set for public discussions starting today.
Health and visas top dissatisfaction list in Cook Islands public services
Monday 29 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Tourism
A Cook Islands public service satisfaction survey found that nearly half of respondents were dissatisfied, with the health clinic, visa applications and non-emergency police services being the least satisfying experiences.
Seasonal spike in skin infections
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health has seen 106 patients who have had some skin infection from the beginning of the year until early April.
Tupapa Clinic to undergo asbestos removal, dental and health care services to relocate
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Dental and Primary Health Care services will temporarily be relocated in June as work will be carried out at the Tupapa Primary Care and Outpatient building to remove building materials containing asbestos.
Autism promotes awareness with Rescue Fire visit
Saturday 20 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Autism Cook Islands received donations from businesses and took children on a visit to the Rescue Fire Service to promote awareness and inclusion.
Youth development courses tackle mental health, de-escalation
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National
A police prevention team along with members from New Zealand Defence Force and Blue Light NZ held Youth Development training courses in the country.
Cervical cancer self-testing returns ‘low high-risk’ HPV
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
The pilot self-testing programme for cervical cancer showed a low rate of high-risk HPV and good uptake, especially among women who hadn’t had a Pap smear in a long time.
To Tatou Vai seeks public input on new water tariff structure
Tuesday 9 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Cook Islands water authority To Tatou Vai is consulting with the community and other stakeholders to determine a water tariff structure for Rarotonga based on usage and operational costs.
Health to review phone system after complaints
Monday 8 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health will be reviewing the current process with a sole receptionist and consider a more centralised call station to improve call management for both the Tupapa Primary Care and Oral Health.
New Zealand peanut recall doesn’t affect local stock
Saturday 6 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National
Two budget brands of peanut products are being recalled in New Zealand due to high levels of aflatoxins, but a local importer says their stock isn’t affected.
Child Welfare Association and Te Marae Ora partner to improve infant nutrition
Thursday 4 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
In promoting the wellbeing and nourishment of infants, the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA) has received a generous donation of cooking utensils from Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Cook Islands doctors to be trained on prescribing medicinal cannabis
Tuesday 2 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands doctors will undergo a special training on how to prescribe medicinal cannabis (marijuana), confirmed Secretary for Health Bob Williams.
Agencies join forces to streamline permits
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health, Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) and the National Environment Service (NES) held their first quarterly meeting last week to strengthen coordination and management of permits across the three agencies.
Cook Islands doctor appointed chair of NZ Pacific health senate
Monday 25 March 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National
Cook Islander Dr Kiki Maoate is the new chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate New Zealand), Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has announced.
May deadline for Bill to regulate smoking, vaping
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
A new Public Health Bill granting Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health the power to regulate smoking and vaping in the Cook Islands will be presented to Parliament in May.
Schools ban fizzy drinks in bid to improve children’s health
Thursday 21 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Health, Local, National
As of today, fizzy drinks will be banned in the primary schools who have signed an agreement with Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Aussie nursing students get a tropical dose of healthcare
Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Australia, Health, National, Regional
Eight University of South Australia Bachelor of Nursing third-year students are visiting Rarotonga for a two-week study programme, immersing themselves in a different culture, a different health setting, and acquiring unique experiences.
TMO issues water safety advice amidst crypto concerns in NZ
Monday 18 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
The Cook Islands has reported no cases of cryptosporidium, a waterborne parasite causing diarrhoea, despite a rise in cases in New Zealand.
Parent calls for action after child targeted online
Thursday 14 March 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Education, Health, Local, National, Technology
A social media page has come under investigation for cyberbullying after a parent filed a police complaint and publicly expressed their concerns.
