Fiji has become the first country in the Pacific to launch a national Family Planning Policy, a move Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says is key to curbing teenage pregnancies and improving reproductive health services.
Speaking during the launch at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel, Dr Lalabalavu said the new policy would help close gaps in youth access to reproductive health information.
“But look, it’s a policy, it’s a start, but nevertheless the next thing is to implement the policy,” he said.
“But we, the ministry in itself, has in place various means to ensure that we are able to reach the grassroot level from the four divisions with implementing family planning.”
He said the policy aimed to help younger generations make informed decisions.
“So, part of this policy will ensure that our younger generations have informed decision and the knowledge to ensure that there are means which, through family planning, they can delay having new families or unwanted teenage pregnancies.”
Dr Lalabalavu said teenage pregnancies remained a concern.
“The numbers may be down, but nevertheless we briefed probably on a weekly or monthly occasion with the numbers of teenage pregnancies throughout the country.”
He said lack of information continued to drive unplanned youth pregnancies.
“As such, it will become a social issue especially to the teenagers out there who, due to uncertain circumstances, may have become pregnant for unwanted reasons.”
