Health
Health ministry recommends Covid boosters for vulnerable populations
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Following new cases of Covid-19 in the Cook Islands, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is advising additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine for further protection of vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Nurses cry out for help as NZ pledges millions
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pledged $30 million to the second phase of the Polynesian Health Corridor Programme, during the Pacific Mission last week, aiming to strengthen healthcare systems across the Pacific.
Cervical cancer self-testing screens nearly 300 women
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Despite facing registration dips and no-shows, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health’s cervical cancer self-testing programme has successfully screened 290 women in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands nursing students off to New Zealand for final year of study
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
Twelve Bachelor of Nursing Pacific students have made it to their final year of studies under the programme, run in conjunction with Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health, Whitireia Polytechnic and University of the South Pacific
Heart disease still top killer
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
Cardiovascular disease is still the top killer of non-communicable diseases, according to Te Marae Ora Minister of Health’s fourth quarter NCD report for 2023.
New Zealand Health Minister offers solidarity, shares health concerns
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
Rarotonga Hospital and Te Marae Ora staff received a special visit yesterday by Dr Shane Reti, New Zealand’s Minister for Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples.
Mammogram machine ‘ready’ for procurement, says TMO head
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
A new mammogram machine is ready for procurement, and preparatory electrical and renovation work is still in progress, says Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
18-year-old seeks help for urgent medical treatment
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Fiji, Health, Local, National, Regional
Fundraising efforts are underway to help 18-year-old Valyla Hickes get the medical treatment she needs in Fiji.
Frontline workers tackle stress and anxiety
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
“Anxiety presents in physical sensations, thoughts and behaviour. It’s something most people will experience at some point in life. Shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, and sweating can be signs of anxiety. Thoughts may turn to dread, terror, doom and apprehension. It can disrupt routine and relationships when behaviour changes, causing irritability and difficulty sleeping.”
Cook Islanders seek change in mental health attitudes
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
“Neneva, avouvou, ka’a ka’a.” These are some of the terms used towards and about Cook Islanders that experience mental illness.
No health without mental health: Tackling mental health stigma in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, Local, National
A mental health workshop for frontline workers aims to tackle stigma and promote community awareness through cultural integration and improved access to services. Candice Luke reports.
Covid-19 test kits made available
Monday 29 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
As of January 22, Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health reported eight Covid-19 cases.
Workshop to tackle mental health stigma
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Health, National
Mental health organisation Te Kainga O Pa Taunga is preparing to host a primary care psychiatry workshop for frontline staff and volunteers, to tackle the issue of mental illness stigma in the Cook Islands and improve statistics.
Cooks rates poorly in WHO and World Bank universal health coverage report
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National
Cook Islands has ranked poorly in the Pacific according to a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Global Monitoring Report, produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank.
People are not cooperating: To Tatou Vai
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Water levels in the Rarotonga catchments have quickly fallen again as the island hopes for more rain.
Cook Islands faces Covid complacency as cases rise
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Concerns are mounting about a potential complacency towards Covid safety measures after new cases emerged in Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Covid-19 strikes back: Rise in reported positive cases, confirms TMO
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Reported Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands, particularly on Aitutaki and Mangaia, have been on the rise, says Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Williams retains helm at health ministry for three more years
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
Secretary of Health Bob Williams will continue in his role for another three years following his reappointment this month.
TMO launches cervical cancer self-testing programme
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has taken a step further into improving women’s health in the Cook Islands by launching the Cervical Cancer Self-Testing Programme that will commence in January 2024.
Mental health support still falling short as corrective services seeks more assistance
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, Local, National
Corrective Services are still struggling with mental health support as their needs are ‘not being met’.
