Children as young as 10 are among Fiji’s HIV cases, while health officials say 13- to 14-year-olds are emerging as a particularly sexually active age group.
Speaking at the Fiji Head Teachers Association annual conference in Nadi, Ministry of Health principal medical officer Dr Sailosi Soqo urged teachers to take a stronger role in equipping children with body autonomy, safety, relationship and health skills.
He said early education was critical, with puberty and relationships becoming key issues from Classes 5 to 8.
Dr Soqo said comprehensive sexuality education addressing gender and power was five times more effective than abstinence-only programs in reducing HIV and STIs.
