In 2019, the estimated direct medical costs related to violence against children in Fiji exceeded $19.33 million. A UNICEF-led survey explored the economic implications of such violence, revealing that out of this total, approximately $7.66 million was allocated to treating injuries sustained by affected children.

The findings of the study highlighted that various health risks—such as communicable diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and infectious and parasitic diseases—were key contributors to the injuries observed among children who experienced abuse. It was estimated that violence against children accounted for 14.14 percent of all injuries in the local pediatric population.

The report provided a detailed breakdown of the medical costs associated with violence against children in Fiji, which comprised $9.01 million on non-communicable diseases, $7.66 million on injuries, and $2.61 million on infectious and parasitic diseases, with minimal expenditure on reproductive health and nutritional deficiencies.

Additionally, the report examined the gender-specific impacts of childhood violence. For boys, childhood physical violence was correlated with increased risks of alcohol and drug use, smoking, mental disorders, interpersonal violence, and self-harm. Similarly, childhood sexual violence significantly impacted mental health and the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Emotional violence also had detrimental effects, leading to similar issues.

For girls, the repercussions of childhood physical violence were similarly severe, contributing to higher incidences of drug use, mental disorders, and self-harm. The link between childhood sexual violence and its impacts mirrored those experienced by boys, with consistent patterns of increased risks for mental disorders and other health concerns. The pervasive nature of these issues emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of childhood violence that affect both genders.

This alarming data draws attention to the pressing need for interventions that address violence against children in Fiji, highlighting a critical area for public health focus. By raising awareness and fostering discussions around these issues, stakeholders have a hopeful opportunity to implement preventive measures and support systems for those affected, ultimately seeking to reduce these staggering costs and improve the health outcomes for children.

In summary, while the statistics reflect a crisis in child health and well-being in Fiji, they also serve as a call to action to create a safer environment for children, support recovery initiatives, and advocate for educational programs focusing on the prevention of violence against children.