Director and Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, Bidisha Pillai, has emphasized the urgent need to enhance referral pathways to ensure women and young girls can effectively access sexual and reproductive health services. This call to action comes alongside the launch of a new initiative in Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu aimed at improving healthcare access in remote areas.
Pillai stated that the project is designed to better equip primary health care centers with trained professionals capable of identifying high-risk pregnancies early, which is critical for providing timely support. By improving these referral systems, the project can help prevent emergency situations where mothers are transferred to higher-level health facilities at the last moment due to complications.
“Strengthening this referral mechanism is essential to tackle urgent situations proactively,” Pillai noted. She also highlighted that young mothers must prioritize completing their antenatal check-ups, a step crucial to reducing risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Charlotte Darlow, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the Pacific nations in addressing issues concerning sexual and reproductive health and rights. She pointed out that this area has historically seen under-investment, despite being foundational to public health. Ensuring support for women during their reproductive years, as well as adolescent health, is an essential focus of this initiative.
The significance of this project is further underscored by alarming maternal mortality statistics in the region. Fiji reported maternal mortality rates rising from 24 to 86 per 100,000 live births, while Tonga recorded figures exceeding 183 per 100,000, highlighting the critical need for improved healthcare access and services.
As part of this initiative, the project is expected to benefit around 100,000 women, adolescents, and youth, focusing not only on reproductive health but also addressing gender-based violence. Phenomenon like this is vital, especially given that data shows a stark lack of gender-based violence services, with only a small fraction of facilities capable of addressing these needs.
With a funding commitment of NZD 2.6 million for the first year, this collaborative effort among the Pacific nations aims not only to meet existing healthcare challenges but also to foster resilience and improve health outcomes in the long term. There is hope that by enhancing access to healthcare and empowering women and young people, communities across the Pacific will become healthier and more resilient.
Overall, this project represents a crucial step towards addressing urgent health concerns in the Pacific Islands, aiming to create a brighter and healthier future for women and adolescents in the region.