A leading official from the Methodist Church in Fiji has emphasized that the concerning increase in teenage pregnancies should not be solely blamed on the church but viewed as a shared responsibility. Reverend Jolame Lasawa, the General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, stated that addressing teenage pregnancy requires a collaborative effort rather than targeting any single organization.
His remarks follow a notable rise in teenage pregnancies linked to large gatherings and school breaks. Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, raised concerns during the ongoing Term Two break for primary and secondary students, which has seen a multitude of events across the nation, including church conferences, youth camps, and festivals.
According to the Ministry of Health, there were 1,279 reported cases of teenage pregnancies from 2018 to 2021. Of these, 1,057 involved iTaukei individuals, 178 were Indo-Fijians, and 44 were from other ethnic backgrounds. Reverend Lasawa pointed out that teenage pregnancy is a widespread issue affecting both schools and village communities.
The data shows that the Central Division had the highest incidence, with 636 cases, followed by the Western Division with 350 cases, the Northern Division with 60, and the Eastern Division with 11. “Our education and youth departments are actively working to combat issues connected to teenage pregnancy. Although the church is often criticized, the accountability needs to encompass everyone,” he remarked.
Ravunawa highlighted the negative impact of teen pregnancies, noting that they contribute significantly to the dropout rates among high school girls, increase health and foster care expenses, and create various developmental challenges for children born to young mothers. He also mentioned that babies born to teenage mothers face higher risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and potential mortality.