Fiji currently lacks data regarding the impacts of postpartum depression on women, according to Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection. In an interview with The Fiji Times online news portal, The Lens@177, she emphasized that while the ministry is committed to supporting women struggling with postpartum depression—affecting an estimated 10 to 20 percent of them—it is crucial to gather relevant data on the issue.
Tabuya stated, “Fiji, we do not have the data on it. We do need to collect this data, and it needs to be done.” She mentioned that the country could follow the model proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for appropriate indicators.
She elaborated on the ministry’s initiative to combat gender-based violence through the National Action Plan, which prioritizes the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. “The health of our women is vital to our economy. It is vital to society. A healthy woman is a productive woman. A healthy woman is an empowered woman,” she added.
The minister highlighted the need for enhanced counseling services and more psychologists in Fiji, particularly female psychologists specialized in this area, as there is a noticeable shortage.
Additionally, she praised organizations like Empower Pacific, Medical Services Pacific, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) for their contributions to collecting data on women’s issues in Fiji.