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Vanuatu - tuberculosis
Vanuatu's Ministry of Health says a case of rifampicin-resistant TB was detected last month in Port Vila.
The World Health Organisation states drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health threat.
The Ministry said it is intensifying efforts to combat TB and address the new challenge of multi-drug-resistant TB in Vanuatu.
It said 101 cases of tuberculosis were recorded in the country in 2023.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported a provincial task force will be established.
Papua New Guinea - landslide
A family is in "grief and despair" after a landslide in Papua New Guinea's Western highlands has left four people dead, including two children.
As the National newspaper reported, the soil and rock crushed the children, their father and their grandfather while they were gardening.
Youths tried to dig the bodies out but were not successful.
Samoa - voting
A bill which would let Samoans living overseas register to vote online was to be tabled in Samoa's parliament on Tuesday.
But, they would still need to complete their registration in Samoa to get their fingerprints scanned and their photo taken.
The Samoa Observer reported under the existing electoral laws, eligible Samoans overseas can vote, but they must travel to Samoa to do so.
The Government has not disclosed if the registered diaspora will be allowed to actually cast their vote while overseas.
Also on Tuesday, Cabinet was also expected to table its plan for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.
Fiji - drugs
Fiji Police have charged 56 public service vehicle drivers and owners found to be in possession of drugs last year.
Public service vehicles include public transport like buses.
Director of Traffic, SSP Mitieli Divuana, noted this problem during the Land Transport Authority's public consultation on a proposal of mandatory drug tests for new or renewing driver licenses.
FBC reports the police are working with stakeholders on a policy aiming to eradicate drug possession among public service vehicle drivers.
Meanwhile, Fiji's employment minister said urgent attention is needed to address an exodus of skilled workers.
Agni Deo Singh said apprenticeship training is a proven, hands-on, and job-ready method to boost the country's labour market.
New Zealand - health
Pacific health provider, Tangata Atumotu Trust, is building a permanent team in the South Island town of Ashburton.
Tangata Atumotu Trust is Canterbury's longest-serving Pacific health provider.
General manager Carmen Collie said the organisation's Christchurch team has done programmes in Ashburton, including working with the community to lift vaccination rates and providing financial literacy workshops.
The new hub is set to provide services including mobile nursing, smoking cessation, support to create warm, dry and healthy homes, and financial capability programmes.
