Fiji Eyes Quality Maternal Health Services

Fiji’s engagement at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58) at the United Nations highlights the nation’s firm commitment to advancing the well-being of all Fijians, with a particular focus on ensuring access to quality maternal health care for women.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua, is representing Fiji at the high-level gathering in New York, from April 7 to 11.

On the opening day, she delivered Fiji’s national statement and today took part in a pivotal side event titled “A Healthier Future for Mothers: Small Island Developing States’ (SIDS) Commitment to Building Resilient Health Systems for Better Outcomes in Maternal Health.”

Co-hosted by the Australian Permanent Mission to the UN in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia Pacific Regional Office, the event brought together key SIDS stakeholders to share progress and innovation in maternal healthcare.

In her remarks, Ms Qereqeretabua outlined Fiji’s community-driven and innovative approaches to strengthening maternal health systems.

She highlighted the Government’s collaboration with UNFPA and the Australian Government, particularly in advancing Fiji’s midwifery profession.

“UNFPA has played a crucial role in enhancing maternal healthcare in Fiji,” she noted.

She reaffirmed Fiji’s ongoing commitment to further professionalising midwifery and improving access to maternal care, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The side event focused on SIDS’ collective goal of achieving zero maternal mortality by 2030. Discussions explored high-impact strategies, resilient health systems, and partnerships needed to accelerate progress.

Ms Qereqeretabua thanked international partners for their continued support, emphasising the importance of coordinated action in safeguarding the health and well-being of Fijian women and girls.

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