The New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, has stressed the essential need to prioritize sexual health services in Fiji, highlighting its integral role in public health. Darlow pointed out that ensuring robust sexual health is crucial not only for individual wellness but also for enhancing community health and future democratic progress in the nation.
In her remarks, Darlow announced a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health services, particularly benefiting women and young girls. “The purpose of this particular piece of work is to ensure we are building resilient communities from the start of reproductive rights, knowing that getting this right lays a strong foundation for our children and mothers,” she emphasized.
Drawing from her experiences with the Human Rights Council, particularly related to maternal mortality, Darlow expressed concern over the stagnation of some maternal health statistics over the years. However, she reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing health outcomes for mothers during their reproductive years.
This initiative is part of a broader movement in Fiji focused on reinforcing sexual and reproductive health services, exemplified by the recent launch of the Advancing Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) Project. Funded with an initial investment of NZD 2.6 million from New Zealand, this project plans to expand across Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, targeting troubling trends like rising fertility rates and teenage pregnancies.
Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, echoed Darlow’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as critical components for promoting gender equality and fostering comprehensive economic growth. This includes commitments to provide free family planning services at all health facilities and improving access to modern contraceptive methods, addressing the pressing issue of high maternal mortality ratios in the region.
Darlow’s comments and the initiatives underway reflect a shared commitment to tackling sexual health challenges as a means to bolster community resilience and empower women and youth throughout the Pacific. With ongoing dedication from both New Zealand and Fijian authorities, there is optimism for meaningful advancements in public health in the area.