Health
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’.
Green light for relief : Parliament passes medicinal cannabis import bill
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
Cook Islanders who require medicinal cannabis for their health’s wellbeing can now import or bring the item into the country, provided the product is being prescribed by an overseas medical practitioner.
MPs back medicinal cannabis import
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Parliament
Debate on the use and importation of medicinal cannabis in the Cook Islands continues in Parliament today after gaining support from both Government and Opposition MPs.
Cook Islands faces mounting pressure to address diabetes
Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National
A study in the Cook Islands found high rates of diabetes, particularly among women and those aged 45-64, suggesting a need for earlier screening and increased awareness campaigns.
Cook Islands doctor honoured in new building dedicated to Pacific health
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Health, National
A significant milestone for the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) was unveiled in Christchurch, New Zealand, this month.
‘No guts’: Senior lawyer slams proposed cannabis legislation
Tuesday 12 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, National, Politics
A senior lawyer has lambasted proposed legislation supporting availability of cannabis in the Cook Islands, saying it has ‘no guts’.
Cooks warms to cannabis debate
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Health, Local, National, Politics
‘Hemp could have a commercial benefit for Cook Islands’
Former staffer makes claim of sexual assault at TMO
Monday 4 December 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
A former staffer has jumped in with claims of sexual assault following allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Te Marae Ora.
NCDs the number one killer
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health, National
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of premature illness, death, and disability in the Cook Islands, according to Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.
Ministry of Health clarifies screening procedures for returning athletes
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, Pacific Games 2023, Sports
Team Cook Islands has expressed satisfaction with the overall health of their athletes, with only a few reported illnesses during their stay in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Baby formula shortage spurs breastfeeding encouragement
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health, Local, National
A shortage of baby formula (milk) in the Cook Islands has prompted calls for mothers to prioritise and practice breastfeeding.
Miracle baby defies all odds
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Health, National
A baby born in New Zealand to Rarotonga parents at 23 weeks has defied all odds and is now thriving after overcoming a series of complications since her birth over a month ago.
Conserve or be prosecuted: To Tatou Vai takes steps to address water scarcity
Thursday 23 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Environment, Health, Local, National
Rarotonga’s water system agency, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has issued a warning that it has the authority to prosecute individuals for wasting water amidst concerns about declining levels at the island’s intakes.
Allegations of a toxic workplace culture at TMO
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Health, National
A toxic workplace culture has been uncovered at Te Marae Ora (TMO) following the dismissal of an assault charge involving a former nurse and paramedic.