The discovery of a newborn baby in a hostel washroom in Lautoka has been labeled “heartbreaking” by Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection. The baby was found by a student who heard crying and promptly sought help from staff. The infant has since been transported to Lautoka Aspen Hospital and is reported to be in good health.
Minister Kiran emphasized the importance of the child’s immediate care and long-term protection, stating that social welfare officers are collaborating with police and health officials to ensure the child’s well-being. She highlighted that many similar cases go unnoticed due to societal silence, fear, or a lack of awareness, stressing the need for open communication within families to prevent such incidents.
Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for Health, echoed this sentiment, calling on communities to support young mothers and encouraging them to engage early with healthcare services for healthier outcomes during pregnancy. “We want young mothers in Fiji to know that the Ministry of Health is here to support them throughout pregnancy,” he affirmed.
Community and faith leaders have also expressed concern over the situation. Tama Kwong from the Catholic Women’s League acknowledged the heartbreak faced by young women in similar predicaments, while Mohenesh Singh from Healing Hands Foundation urged society to re-evaluate its values concerning human life and the plight of unplanned pregnancies. Furthermore, Vineel Nand from the Swami Vivekananda College Ex-Scholars Association emphasized the need for societal change and better support systems for young women dealing with unexpected pregnancies.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that they are actively investigating the case and are seeking the identity of the infant’s mother. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
This incident, while tragic, has sparked important conversations about child welfare and the imperative for community support structures. As Minister Kiran stated, prevention starts at home, and a collective effort from families and communities could foster healthier, more supportive environments for all children. There is hope that through raised awareness and engagement, tragedies like this can be prevented in the future.
Leave a comment