The Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji is reaffirming its dedication to enhancing women’s and girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), recognizing its vital role in fostering human rights, health, gender equality, and economic growth. Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, made this announcement during the launch of the Advancing Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) Project, drawing attention to concerning trends in sexual and reproductive health, such as increasing fertility rates, unmet family planning needs, and adolescent births.
This project, backed by initial funding of NZD 2.6 million from New Zealand, will be rolled out in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Ravunawa highlighted that the maternal mortality ratio in the region remains alarmingly above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 per 100,000 live births, further underlining the urgent need for improved healthcare services.
While stressing the significance of incorporating SDG aspirations into regional frameworks like the Pacific Sexual Health and Wellbeing Shared Agenda and the 2050 Pacific Blue Strategy Implementation Plan, he acknowledged that despite these frameworks, progress in the Pacific has been minimal or stagnant. He pointed out the escalating threat of HIV in the region, exacerbated by barriers such as geographical isolation, limited healthcare resources, and social stigmas.
In Fiji, the Ministry has responded to these challenges by ensuring that all health facilities provide free family planning services and are increasing access to modern contraceptives. Ravunawa emphasized the importance of collaboration in making the project a success, underscoring that community and stakeholder engagement is essential for effective implementation.
The initiative comes on the heels of Fiji’s launch of its National Family Planning Policy 2025–2030, aimed at improving reproductive health services, especially for youth. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu previously noted that enhancing access to sexual health education and family planning is crucial in addressing the high rates of teenage pregnancies, which have resulted in about 1,000 teenage girls becoming mothers yearly from 2016 to 2019.
Both the SRMNAH project and the National Family Planning Policy reflect Fiji’s commitment to tackling reproductive health concerns head-on, fostering a healthier future for women and young people. As these initiatives advance, there remains hope that they will lead to greater empowerment and improved health outcomes across the nation, promoting gender equality and improving overall societal resilience.
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