Fiji is currently experiencing a significant rise in maternal deaths, with the maternal mortality ratio increasing alarmingly from approximately 24 to 86 deaths per 100,000 live births in recent years. This trend has raised urgent concerns among health officials and international organizations, prompting a call for immediate investment to enhance the quality of maternal healthcare in the country.
Bidisha Pillai, the UNFPA Pacific Director and Representative, has emphasized the critical need for well-trained staff and sufficient reproductive health supplies to improve care during childbirth. She pointed out the additional challenges facing young people, highlighting that many lack access to essential services, which places them at a higher risk for unplanned pregnancies. To effectively address these issues, there is a pressing need to expand adolescent and youth health services across Fiji.
Pillai noted the broader implications of these challenges during a discussion on a recent Pacific-wide project aimed at reinforcing health systems and expanding access to essential reproductive health services. This initiative, backed by a substantial funding commitment from the New Zealand government, aims to empower over 100,000 women, adolescents, and youth in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. It includes a focus on addressing gender-based violence (GBV), as only a small fraction of health facilities currently provide adequate GBV services.
Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health, acknowledged the vital support from UNFPA and the New Zealand government, and emphasized the collaborative approach needed to strengthen maternal health programs and improve the country’s overall health indicators. By building on these partnerships, Fiji hopes to not only reduce maternal deaths but also to enhance overall health outcomes across its population.
The country’s healthcare system is under considerable stress, with barriers such as staff shortages and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbating the maternal health crisis. However, with renewed focus and collaboration, there is hope that these challenges can be addressed effectively, leading to significant improvements in maternal health and the well-being of mothers and their children.
As Fiji navigates these pressing health issues, the commitment from both local and international partners demonstrates a united front in seeking better health outcomes for all, particularly in the vulnerable populations of women and youth. The ongoing efforts to enhance health services and address the root causes of maternal mortality signal a hopeful path toward a healthier future for Fiji.