The rise in teenage pregnancies in Fiji should not be solely attributed to the church but instead recognized as a collective responsibility.
Reverend Jolame Lasawa, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, emphasized that teenage pregnancy is an issue.
This requires a unified approach rather than placing blame on any one entity.
The Ministry of Health reported 1279 teenage pregnancy cases between 2018 and 2021. 1057 being iTaukei, 178 being Indo-Fijians, and 44 being from other ethnic backgrounds.
The Central Division recorded the highest number of cases, 636, followed by 350 in the Western Division, 60 in the Northern Division, and 11 in the Eastern Division.
Opposition MP Ravunawa highlighted the significant contribution of teenage pregnancy and childbirth to dropout rates among high school females.
Increased health and foster care costs and developmental challenges for children born to teen mothers.
Teen pregnancies also place the baby at a higher risk of being born prematurely. Individuals with low birth weight are at a higher risk of death.
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