Fiji launches first National Family Planning Policy

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has revealed sweeping new commitments to enhance the delivery of and access to family planning services with the launch of Fiji's first National Family Planning Policy 2025-2030.

On Monday, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu launched the policy in collaboration with key development partners, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Family Planning 2030.

The plan prioritises four commitments towards a family planning vision by 2030, where "everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions on the number, timing and spacing of their children without coercion or intimidation".

• To make the family planning services accessible and inclusive.
• To establish, strengthen, support and revitalise the delivery of available, accessible, acceptable, and affordable high-quality family planning services provided by trained/skilled health personnel at the point of care in all health facilities.
• To develop, implement and strengthen service delivery for the vulnerable population, including individuals with disability.
• To integrate family planning into the national emergency preparedness, responses and recovery framework by 2023.

Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry's goal was to help reduce maternal and infant mortality, increase productivity, and foster a healthier society.

"Family planning is a fundamental human right and a pillar of sustainable development," he said. "It empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives, enabling healthier families and stronger communities.

"With this policy, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality family planning services to all Fijians. Over the next five years, this policy will serve as our strategic guide to reinforce our health systems, raise community awareness, and promote gender equity."

The policy also targets teenage pregnancy, which the minister said remains a public health challenge, as limited contraceptives, gaps in comprehensive sex education, and stigma surrounding contraceptive use persist. The ministry has implemented a "multi-pronged strategy", which includes adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, peer educators for youths, community outreach, an ongoing nationwide condom campaign, and Family Life education.

"Our Government, together with development partners, UN Agencies, non-government organisations and civil society organisations, are working to bridge these gaps, particularly for adolescents, persons with disabilities, and low-income communities," said Dr Lalabalavu.

Head of the Ministry's Family Health Unit, Dr Rachel Devi, noted that the new policy also prioritises healthcare workers, as it "empowers" personnel to deliver critical services without barriers. "It paves the way for healthcare workers to deliver services adequately and efficiently across all health facilities," she said.