Officials in Fiji are expressing concerns regarding the low uptake of free sexual and reproductive health education among the youth, despite the availability of resources like the Youth Education on Sexuality (YES) app. During a discussion on World Population Day, Dr. Rachel Devi, the Head of Family Health at the Ministry of Health, urged young people to utilize the app, which provides confidential and youth-friendly information on sexual health, rights, and mental health, as well as direct links to services.
Dr. Devi emphasized that simply providing services is not enough; it is vital that young people actively access them, as they are entitled to these resources. The YES app is available for download on the Google Play Store, but Dr. Devi flagged its underutilization as a significant issue, stressing that increased awareness and usage among youths is essential for the success of the ministry’s initiatives.
This call to action is aligned with past reports highlighting Fijian youth’s difficulties in accessing sexual health education. The Ministry is working on strategies to enhance educational outreach and tackle misinformation, ensuring that young people can navigate their sexual health decisions more effectively. Dr. Devi stated, “Let’s be personal and get credible information,” reinforcing the importance of moving beyond unreliable online searches.
Similar articles have highlighted the broader challenges faced by Fiji’s youth in sexual health education, including rising teenage pregnancies and inadequate school curricula. Advocacy groups have called for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education that empowers individuals with knowledge about their bodies, rights, and safe relationships. The potential positive outcome of such initiatives could lead to a healthier generation making more informed choices about their reproductive health.
The ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health and various organizations represent a hopeful step forward in fostering a well-informed youth population capable of making safer, healthier choices. If embraced widely, the YES app could significantly contribute to reducing rates of teenage pregnancies and improving overall sexual health awareness in the country.
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