Bidisha Pillai, the Director and Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, has highlighted the pressing need to improve referral pathways to facilitate better access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and young girls. This appeal coincides with the launch of a new initiative in Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu that seeks to enhance healthcare access, particularly in remote areas.
Pillai explained that the initiative aims to equip primary healthcare centers with qualified professionals who can identify high-risk pregnancies early on, which is crucial for providing timely assistance. By reinforcing these referral systems, the project aspires to avert emergencies that necessitate urgent transfers of mothers to advanced health facilities due to complications.
“Strengthening this referral mechanism is essential to tackle urgent situations proactively,” Pillai emphasized. She also underscored the importance for young mothers to prioritize antenatal check-ups, a vital measure in mitigating risks related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Charlotte Darlow, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, echoed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Pacific nations in addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights. She noted that historically, this area has faced under-investment despite its foundational role in public health. Supporting women during their reproductive years, as well as focusing on adolescent health, will be a key aspect of this initiative.
The need for this project is underscored by stark maternal mortality statistics revealed in the region. Fiji has seen a rise in maternal mortality rates from 24 to 86 per 100,000 live births, while Tonga’s figures exceed 183 per 100,000. This alarming trend highlights the urgent requirement for improved healthcare access and services.
Through this initiative, approximately 100,000 women, adolescents, and youth are expected to benefit, with a focus not only on reproductive health but also on addressing gender-based violence. The need for such support is critical as data indicates a significant lack of services for gender-based violence, with only a limited number of facilities equipped to handle these issues.
With a funding commitment of NZD 2.6 million for the first year, this collaborative project among Pacific nations aspires to not only address existing healthcare challenges but also to foster resilience and enhance health outcomes over the long term. There is hopeful anticipation that, through improved healthcare access and the empowerment of women and young people, communities across the Pacific will become healthier and more robust.
This initiative marks a vital move towards tackling urgent health challenges in the Pacific Islands, aiming to pave the way for a healthier and more promising future for women and adolescents in the region.