Early identification vital for children with disabilities, says Minister

Children with disabilities in Fiji are falling through the cracks simply because they are not being identified early enough.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran today during the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Supporting Children with Disabilities in Fiji held at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami.

Ms Kiran called for stronger early screening systems, saying delays were costing children critical years of development.

"If they had access to early screening of hearing or vision impairment or assessment of autism spectrum, would we have more Fijian children meeting their milestones?" she said.

The dialogue, co-hosted by the Department of Children and UNICEF, brought together government ministries, health providers, disability organisations, parents, and caregivers to strengthen policies and services for children with disabilities.

Ms Kiran highlighted that Fiji's disability data from the 2017 census excluded children under five, meaning the most crucial early years were missing from national planning.

UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Myo-Zin Nyunt, echoed the concern, saying stigma and discrimination remained persistent barriers, particularly in rural and maritime areas where families often kept children at home due to limited understanding and economic pressure.

"Many schools remain inaccessible and lack trained inclusive education teachers," he said.

Ms Kiran also flagged that children with disabilities were among the most at risk of abuse and sexual violence, and said their needs must be captured in the country's National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children, currently being developed.

She stressed that inclusion was not just policy, it was a shared moral responsibility.

"No matter where a child with special needs is growing in Fiji, they have access to services and support," she said.