AGP Executive Report

Food & Nutrition Security (Kiribati): Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to tackle poor soils, scarce freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food—especially in South Tarawa—where rice, sugar and ultra-processed foods are driving nutrition problems. Diabetes (Global): A new global snapshot shows diabetes is rising fast, with the highest age-standardised prevalence reported in Pakistan (31.4%) and the Marshall Islands (25.7%), underscoring how quickly the burden can grow in the Pacific. Regional Health & Safety (IUU Fishing): A major FFA-led operation flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in the fight against illegal fishing, protecting tuna resources that communities depend on for food and livelihoods. Deep-Sea Mining (Kiribati/Cook Islands area): Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority about a US company seeking an exploration licence in an area surrounded by waters linked to Kiribati and others. Pacific Policy (Climate–Peace): A policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate–conflict” focus toward climate–peace planning built on social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship.

Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to tackle diet and health pressures from scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food. Health & Chronic Disease: A global diabetes roundup highlights how fast the burden is growing, with some countries— including Pacific nations like the Marshall Islands—showing very high prevalence rates. Regional Health-Linked Policy: A Pacific climate–peace policy brief argues the region should focus on social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship so communities can absorb climate shocks without violence. Maritime Safety & Public Health Risks: A major FFA-led IUU fishing crackdown flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, targeting illegal fishing that can undermine food supply and coastal livelihoods. Kiribati in Global Governance: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, with the applied area near waters affecting Kiribati and surrounding ecosystems. Diplomacy & Access: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum over Taiwan attendance plans, a reminder of how political access can shape regional cooperation.

Maritime Health & Safety: A major FFA-led regional operation, Operation Island Chief 2026, flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels—an important step for protecting food supply chains like tuna that communities rely on. Nutrition & Food Security: Kiribati is strengthening food and nutrition security through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection, and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, as limited land and freshwater and heavy reliance on imported rice, sugar, and ultra-processed foods continue to undermine diets and health. Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over a U.S. company’s push for a deep-seabed mining exploration licence in an area surrounded by Kiribati and others—an issue that can affect long-term ocean health. Diabetes Watch: A global roundup highlights how diabetes rates are highest in places including Pakistan, Marshall Islands, and Kuwait, underscoring the need for prevention and early care. Community Support: A story on RAF Benevolent Fund support shows how housing repairs and mobility help can directly improve health for older veterans and families. Kiribati Link: Reports say a planned expedition to search for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane on Nikumaroro Island has been delayed for weather and Kiribati clearance, with potential health and safety lessons for future field work.

Nutrition & Food Security in Kiribati: ADB Insights reports Kiribati is strengthening food and nutrition security through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection, and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, as scarce land and freshwater and heavy reliance on imports undermine diets—especially in South Tarawa where over half the population lives. Diabetes Snapshot: A global roundup highlights how diabetes rates are rising worldwide and notes the highest age-standardised prevalence in 2024 was reported in Pakistan, with the Marshall Islands also among the highest—useful context for Pacific health planning. Pacific Climate–Peace Policy: A new policy brief urges the Pacific to move from a “climate–conflict” focus toward a climate–peace approach centered on social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security, and ecological stewardship. Kiribati & Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general after he said Taiwan would attend the 2026 leaders meeting; Kiribati is among members that cut ties with Taipei in 2019. Health & Mobility Support: A story on RAF Benevolent Fund support shows how housing repairs can lead to mobility help for veterans and families facing heart problems, COPD, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over a US company’s exploration licence request in an area surrounded by Kiribati and others.

Kiribati Nutrition & Food Security: ADB analysis highlights how Kiribati’s scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imports are driving poor diet outcomes, with South Tarawa hit hardest; rice and sugar make up a big share of imports and ultra-processed foods worsen the nutrition gap. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an area surrounded by Kiribati, Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Pacific Climate–Peace Approach: A new policy brief argues the Pacific should move from a “climate-conflict” focus to a climate–peace approach grounded in social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship. Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: China warned the Forum’s secretary-general over Taiwan’s planned attendance at the 2026 leaders meeting, while Kiribati remains among members that cut ties with Taipei. Diabetes Snapshot (Global): A roundup points to very high diabetes prevalence in several countries, including Pacific nations, underscoring the need for prevention and care planning.

Health & Mobility Support: In the UK, Mary and John Quick say the RAF Benevolent Fund helped after damp damage at home turned into practical mobility support, improving their day-to-day life as they manage heart problems, COPD, walking difficulties, arthritis and high blood pressure. Diabetes Watch: A global health roundup highlights how diabetes is rising fast worldwide, with some of the highest adult rates reported in countries including Pakistan and the Marshall Islands—an urgent reminder for Pacific health planning. Kiribati Nutrition & Food Security: Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate to tackle diet and health problems driven by scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported rice, sugar and ultra-processed foods. Pacific Health-Related Safety: Fiji’s Lau Group search for six people missing at sea ended with them found alive after rough conditions and a wide-area rescue effort.

Diabetes Watch: New global data highlights how diabetes is surging unevenly, with Pakistan reported at 31.4% adult prevalence in 2024—far above the global average—while the Marshall Islands and Kuwait also sit at the top, and projections suggest rates will keep rising for decades. Food & Nutrition Security (Kiribati): Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection, and an offshore horticultural estate to tackle diet and health pressures driven by scarce land, limited freshwater, and heavy reliance on imported staples and ultra-processed foods. Pacific Health-Adjacent Policy: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should link climate work with peacebuilding by focusing on social cohesion, cultural continuity, and ecological stewardship—aiming to reduce conflict risk from climate stress. Regional Diplomacy & Health Systems: The Pacific Islands Forum says Taipei will attend this year’s leaders meeting, after earlier exclusion tied to China’s “one-China” position—an issue that can affect aid and partnerships that often support health services. Public Safety (Fiji): Six people missing at sea in Fiji’s Lau Group were found alive after a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew spotted their boat in rough conditions, ending a large-area search.

Diabetes Watch: A new global snapshot shows diabetes is surging unevenly, with the highest age-standardised rates in 2024 reported in Pakistan (31.4%), the Marshall Islands (25.7%) and Kuwait (25.6%), and projections suggesting even higher levels by 2050. Kiribati Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to tackle diet problems driven by scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported rice, sugar and ultra-processed foods. Pacific Health & Climate Peace: A Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate-conflict” focus to a climate–peace approach rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship. Regional Summit & Health-Linked Infrastructure: US President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders and announced recognition for Cook Islands and Niue plus new funding for resilient infrastructure, including undersea internet cables—support that can shape health services and access. Search & Safety: In Fiji’s Lau Group, six people missing overnight were found alive after a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew spotted their boat in rough seas, highlighting ongoing risks for island travel and emergency response.

Food & Nutrition Security in Kiribati: KIRIBATI is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to tackle scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food that worsens diet and health outcomes. Nutrition & Imports Pressure: With only about 2.5% of land suitable for cultivation and South Tarawa holding over half the population, imports (including rice and sugar) remain a major driver of a “double” nutrition problem. Regional Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief urges moving beyond a climate–conflict focus, calling for stronger attention to social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship to help communities absorb climate shocks without violence. Pacific Forum Diplomacy: Kiribati’s participation in Pacific Islands Forum leadership continues to be shaped by China–Taiwan tensions, with Beijing warning the Forum secretary to follow the “one-China” principle. Health-adjacent Food Trade: Fiji’s PIDF deal with New Valley Processors aims to connect farmers to fresh produce markets, supporting efforts to reduce NCD risk through healthier diets. Search & Safety (context): A Fiji sea rescue found six missing people alive after rough conditions, underscoring ongoing risks to community wellbeing.

Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to tackle diet and health pressures driven by scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food. Nutrition Risk: With only about 2.5% of land suitable for cultivation and South Tarawa holding more than half the population, imports (including rice and sugar) keep diets vulnerable to ultra-processed foods and worsen nutrition outcomes. Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief argues the region should move beyond a “climate–conflict” framing and instead focus on social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship that help communities absorb shocks without violence. Regional Health Context: The same broader push for resilience and community stability matters for public health, especially where stressors like climate impacts and food insecurity overlap. Kiribati Migration Policy: A commentary urges Kiribati to treat migration as long-term development—supporting outward and inward movement to ease pressures on housing, jobs, sanitation and freshwater while building skills and networks.

Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is strengthening food and nutrition security through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, as scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imports continue to undermine diets—rice and raw sugar make up a major share of imports, while ultra-processed foods worsen the nutrition challenge. Climate–Peace Policy: A new Pacific policy brief urges the region to move beyond a “climate–conflict” focus and instead build climate–peace approaches grounded in social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship. Diplomacy & Health Funding Risks: China has warned the Pacific Islands Forum secretary over Taiwan’s planned attendance, highlighting how diplomatic tensions can disrupt regional participation—an issue that matters for island states that rely on external aid and investment. Nuclear Health Reminder: A commentary calls for more space for nuclear survivors’ voices, including from places such as Kiribati, warning that rising nuclear anxiety should not be treated lightly. Maritime Safety: Fiji’s search for six people missing at sea ended with their rescue after a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew spotted their boat in rough conditions. Migration & Services Pressure: A Kiribati-focused migration series argues migration should be treated as long-term development strategy, pointing to South Tarawa’s crowding and pressures on housing, sanitation and freshwater.

Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is pushing climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries management, plus social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, to tackle diet and health problems driven by scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food—especially rice and sugar. Nutrition & Health Risk: The coverage highlights how imported staples and ultra-processed foods are crowding out nutrient-dense local options, with South Tarawa’s dense population making the nutrition challenge sharper. Health & Safety in the Region: A Fiji search for an overdue boat carrying six people ended with the group found alive after a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew spotted them in rough seas. Public Health & Community Resilience: A Pacific policy brief argues the region should focus on climate–peace links through social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship—not just climate change as a driver of conflict. Kiribati & Migration: A three-part series says Kiribati should treat outward and inward migration as long-term development, pointing to housing, sanitation, freshwater limits and youth pressures concentrated on South Tarawa. Diplomacy & Access: China warned the Pacific Islands Forum over Taiwan-related participation, with Kiribati among members that cut ties with Taipei in recent years.

Food & Nutrition Security: Kiribati is strengthening food and nutrition security through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries management, social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, as scarce land, limited freshwater and heavy reliance on imported food continue to undermine diets and health outcomes. Climate–Peace Approach: A new Pacific policy brief urges moving beyond a “climate–conflict” focus toward a climate–peace approach built on social cohesion, cultural continuity, relational security and ecological stewardship. Kiribati & Regional Health Context: The same Kiribati food story highlights how dependence on imported staples and ultra-processed foods contributes to a nutrition dilemma, especially in South Tarawa where more than half the population lives. Diplomacy & Community Impacts: China has warned a top Pacific Islands Forum diplomat over Taiwan-related participation at the Forum Leaders Meeting, a reminder that regional engagement decisions can affect access to support and exchanges.

Maritime health & safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) to cut search times and save lives at sea, pointing to recent Lau Group rescues and noting that beacons have helped in places like Kiribati and Tuvalu. Regional health security: Fiji’s search-and-rescue response continues to highlight how fast locating people in distress can protect lives, especially for remote communities. Health policy & food security: The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) signed an MOU with New Valley Processors (Fiji) to connect farmers to Northern Pacific export markets through a Food and Nutrition Security initiative, aiming to boost fresh produce access and support efforts to reduce NCD risk. Public health context: A Pacific-wide discussion on migration and development also flags how dense living conditions and sanitation and freshwater limits can intensify health pressures—issues closely tied to wellbeing in Kiribati’s South Tarawa. Diplomacy affecting aid flows: China again warned the Pacific Islands Forum over Taiwan-related participation, a reminder that regional politics can shape international engagement and, indirectly, development support.

Maritime safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) to cut search times and save lives at sea, pointing to recent Lau waters rescues and citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where locator beacons improved outcomes. HIV response funding: Australia has committed FJD$23.5 million to support Fiji’s HIV response, backing the Vuvale Partnership and related prevention and treatment work. Food and nutrition security: The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) signed an MOU with New Valley Processors (Fiji) to link farmers to Northern Pacific export markets through its Food and Nutrition Security initiative, aiming to boost fresh produce access and help fight non-communicable diseases. Migration and health pressures: A Pacific migration series argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term development, noting how population concentration on South Tarawa intensifies housing, sanitation, freshwater limits, and youth unemployment. Regional diplomacy: China warned a Pacific Islands Forum leader to avoid Taiwan-related tensions, as forum members discuss unity on broader regional issues.

COVID-19 Update (Kiribati): Kiribati’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services reports two new community COVID-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota from PCR tests; both are in home quarantine with mild symptoms. Health System & School Impact: The cumulative total now stands at 1,744 cases (42 imported; 1,702 local on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota; plus 32 in Butaritari), and an 80-year-old woman remains in hospital at the isolation centre. Education & Public Health Measures: With the country still on alert level 3, the first term of school scheduled for 14 February has been cancelled, and remote learning will begin, with dates to be announced later. Maritime Safety for Health (Fiji/Kiribati link): Life Flight (Fiji) Trust urges wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) to speed up sea rescues, citing improved outcomes in places including Kiribati and Tuvalu after recent Lau waters rescues.