The Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy in collaboration with UNICEF, marking a significant milestone aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and potential of Fiji’s youngest citizens. The event took place at the Holiday Inn in Suva and was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, international representatives, and private sector members.
Key figures at the launch included Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow, and UNICEF Pacific Representative Roshni Basu, who all underscored the critical nature of a comprehensive ECD policy to ensure children in Fiji grow up healthy, educated, and prepared for future challenges.
Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for Health and chair of the ECD policy, provided an insightful overview, explaining the policy’s origins in the 2017 Pacific Call to Action on ECD, which emphasized the need for prioritizing early childhood initiatives to foster resilience, economic growth, and social stability. Dr. Tudravu stressed that this new policy is essential in ensuring that all children from birth to eight years are given the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively to Fiji’s development.
The ECD Policy adopts a holistic approach to child development, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It outlines four main objectives: ensuring safety and nurturing care, promoting health and optimal development, enhancing school readiness, and fostering community and government support. It also sets ambitious targets, such as increasing early childhood education enrollment and reducing neonatal mortality rates.
Dr. Tudravu highlighted the integration of health and education systems to better monitor children’s progress and outcomes. The implementation of this policy will be guided by a Cabinet subcommittee and the National ECD Advisory Committee, which will track progress and support the execution of various strategies.
The launch of the National ECD Policy exemplifies a collective commitment to improving the lives of Fiji’s children through collaboration among ministries, international organizations, and partners. Dr. Tudravu remains optimistic that this initiative will contribute to a brighter future for children and families in Fiji, ensuring that every child is safe, included, and nurtured to develop effectively as they transition into school.
Summary: The Ministry of Health and UNICEF have launched the National Early Childhood Development Policy in Fiji, emphasizing a holistic approach to child development with objectives focused on safety, health, education, and community support. The policy sets measurable targets for improvement, including increasing early childhood education enrollment and reducing mortality rates. It is seen as a collective effort to ensure better outcomes for children and their families in the country.
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