Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa has proposed the formation of a National Teenage Pregnancy Response Taskforce, saying the issue is a growing national concern that demands urgent, united action.
Speaking in Parliament last Friday, Mr Ravunawa said teenage pregnancy is more than a health statistic.
“I propose that we establish a National Framework for Inter-Ministerial Coordination with regular meetings, cooperative budgeting and joint accountability,” he said.
“Let us create a taskforce just as we mobilised during COVID-19.”
The Assistant Minister appealed directly to parents, faith leaders and young people, urging families to foster homes of trust and open dialogue.
“To parents: talk to your children. Do not hide abuse. Do not protect perpetrators, protect the child,” he said.
“To churches and faith leaders, do not condemn teenage mothers, work with them, restore them and love them.”
He also reassured young people that they are valued and have a purpose.
“Your life is precious. You are loved.”
Mr Ravunawa warned that if the country continues with “business as usual,” the number of teenage pregnancies will rise, deepening cycles of poverty and abuse, and compromising Fiji’s future.
“Let this Parliament declare with one voice, teenage pregnancy is a national priority,” he urged.
“Protecting our children is our sacred responsibility.”
