The significant increase in teenage pregnancies in Fiji should not be attributed solely to the church, but rather seen as a collective responsibility, according to a senior Methodist Church official.
Reverend Jolame Lasawa, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, stressed that addressing teenage pregnancy requires a collaborative effort, rather than blaming any one group. His remarks follow a notable rise in teenage pregnancies, particularly after major events and school breaks.
Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, highlighted these concerns during the current Term Two break for primary and secondary school students, a period marked by various events, including church conferences, youth camps, and festivals.
The Ministry of Health reported that its Health Information Unit recorded 1,279 cases of teenage pregnancy from 2018 to 2021. Of these, 1,057 were iTaukei, 178 were Indo-Fijians, and 44 came from other ethnic backgrounds. Reverend Lasawa emphasized that teenage pregnancy is a widespread issue affecting not only schools but also rural communities.
Statistics indicate that the Central Division had the highest number of cases at 636, followed by Western Division with 350, Northern Division with 60, and Eastern Division with 11.
“We have our education and youth departments actively addressing issues related to teenage pregnancy. While the church often faces criticism, the responsibility should be shared by all,” Reverend Lasawa mentioned.
Opposition MP Ravunawa added that teenage pregnancy and childbirth significantly contribute to higher dropout rates among female high school students, increased health costs, and various developmental challenges for children born to teenage mothers. He noted that babies born to teen mothers face a higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and increased mortality risk.