A report from 2024 describes the role of the Niue Foou Hospital. It states that the hospital acts as the central hub for primary and secondary health care on the island, offering a diverse array of services such as public health initiatives, environmental health monitoring, and maternal and child health care programs. Despite Niue’s small population and remote location, the hospital is relatively well-equipped and staffed to meet essential health care needs. For more advanced medical care, patients are transferred to New Zealand, supported by an emergency evacuation service and regular visits from New Zealand-based specialists.
Niue, like many Pacific Island nations, faces growing numbers regarding noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The incidence of diabetes, stroke, and cancer is rising. Obesity rates stand at 61%, while hypertension affects 33.5% of the population. The 2024 reports states that the health care system relies heavily on a treatment-focused model, which is further strained by a shrinking health workforce and an aging population.
Public spending on health in Niue accounted for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP), with a per capita expenditure of US$ 2,288 in 2022. Government health expenditure accounted for 41% of health spending and external health expenditure accounted for 58% of current health expenditure (CHE).[2]
The priority areas for strengthening Niue’s health system and addressing critical population health concerns include enhanced data collection, prevention and control of NCDs, the establishment of a comprehensive cancer registry, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, or WASH, services, better referral systems, and human resource development.
[1] ADB Policy Paper, Niue: Country Classification, October 2021
[2] World Health Organization, Global Health Expenditure Database, Indicators and Data (choose country)