Recent statistics released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) highlight a troubling trend in birth registrations within Fiji, particularly a notable decline starting from 2021. The report titled ‘Addressing gender inequities in on-time birth registration in Fiji through identification of priority geographic areas for targeted interventions’ sheds light on this issue.
As of February 18, 2025, a total of 20,670 birth registrations were documented for children born in 2015. This number saw a slight decrease in subsequent years, recording 19,154 in 2016, 19,334 in 2017, and 19,417 in 2018, before bouncing back to 20,088 in 2019. However, after peaking in 2019, the figures began a troubling downward trend, falling to 18,931 in 2020, then plunging significantly to 14,006 in 2021 and further to 12,321 in 2022. The registrations saw a drastic drop in 2023, with only 8,761 births registered, and a further decline to just 5,471 in 2024.
The report unequivocally states that the completeness of birth registrations has been declining in recent years, particularly since 2021. Birth registration completeness was estimated at an impressive 95 percent or higher from 2016 to 2019. Unfortunately, this rate dipped to 80.9 percent in 2020, followed by a stark fall to 61.7 percent in 2021 and slumping further to 52.0 percent in 2022. The analysis indicates that completeness has remained low for 2023 and 2024.
This decline in birth registrations is concerning, as it not only affects demographic statistics but also implications for health and welfare programs aimed at children. It underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote timely birth registrations, ensuring that every child in Fiji is accounted for and has access to necessary resources and services. The report emphasizes addressing these gaps will be crucial for the wellbeing of future generations.
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