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05/02/2026Published On: 05/02/2026
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua officiated the World Cancer Day event jointly organised by the Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) and the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva yesterday evening (4/02/2026). The World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that every cancer journey is different.
The FCS event featured the lighting up the GPH — an iconic landmark in orange, in resemblance of this year’s World Cancer Day color. The initiative symbolised solidarity and beacon of hope — to every person currently battling cancer, and a special tribute to every survivor, and to every family that has lost a loved one through cancer.
In her remarks, Hon. Qereqeretabua acknowledged the FCS and the GPH for this important initiative and reaffirmed the Fiji Government’s commitment to working together with stakeholders on cancer advocacy and awareness.
The Assistant Minister said the event brings a global movement into the heart of our capital city and local community and raises awareness about prevention and early detection, with a crucial reminder that cancer is not a distant issue, but one that affects many families in Fiji.
Hon. Qereqeretabua said, “the orange light reminds each one of us that hope lives in unity, that strength comes from community, and that together — as families, neighbours, professionals, and leaders — we can and must make a difference; by being United by Unique, and united in care.”
Further, the Assistant Minister said the lighting also reflects our shared responsibility to care for one another and stand in solidarity with those living with cancer, the survivors and caregivers and health care workers.
Hon. Qereqeretabua stressed that awareness must be matched with action and commended the work of the FCS in not only raising awareness — but supporting the patients and families with vital health care services.
The event highlighted the alarming statistics that in 2025 alone, the FCS recorded 442 new cancer cases across the Central, Western, and Northern Divisions — with cancer now the third leading cause of mortality in Fiji.
Hon. Qereqeretabua asked the audience not to forget to attend the FCS’s 5km Walk for World Cancer Day scheduled this Saturday 7th February 2026 at Shirley Park in Lautoka and Albert Park in Suva at 6.30am to show support.
