8 girls under 15 among Fiji’s teen pregnancies in first six months

Teenage pregnancies remain a growing concern across Fiji, with health experts warning that more young girls are being forced out of school and into early motherhood.

On average, two to three cases are recorded every day. In the first six months of this year alone, 489 teenage pregnancies were reported, including eight cases involving girls under the age of 15.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said her ministry was working closely with the Ministries of Education and Health to ensure young people have access to reproductive health information through schools, Girl Guides, and Tertiary Students Associations.

“A whole-of-society approach is key to protecting our girls who lose their innocence at a time when they should be playing in school and growing up,” Ms Kiran said.

Assemblies of God Church youth leader and People’s Alliance Party West Youth president Leone Tagicakibau said the numbers were alarming.

“My heart is heavy this morning. These are not just statistics; these are our children, our daughters, our sisters, whose futures are being cut short far too soon,” Mr Tagicakibau said.

He urged parents, churches, and communities to take action.

“We cannot stay silent when the future of our young people is at risk. Teenage pregnancy robs them of their dreams, and it is something we must all fight against together. This is not just my cry, it is the cry of every parent, leader, and citizen who loves our children. Let us protect them, guide them, and fight for their future.”

Parents are also calling for more open communication at home. Salote Visoli, a mother of two daughters, said building trust with her children had been key.

“I am not only their mother, but also their friend. We communicate daily. That relationship continues to this day,” she said.

Ba Province Youth co-ordinator Kamenieli Matai said tackling teenage pregnancies required a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addressed root causes.

He noted that many cases were from the Central Division and involved iTaukei girls.

“This education should be culturally sensitive and provide accurate information on topics including anatomy and puberty, consent and healthy relationships, contraception and family planning, and the risks of STIs and early pregnancy,” Mr Matai said.

“This must be a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, health services, and civil society organisations.”