SUVA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,279 teenage pregnancy cases were recorded in Fiji from 2018 to 2021, according to the country's Health Ministry.
The statistics showed that the highest number of cases were recorded in the Central Division which stood at 636, the Western side recorded 350 cases, 60 cases were in the Northern side and 11 cases were recorded in the Eastern side.
Minister for Health Atonio Lalabalavu said the statistics were gathered over a three-year period with a particular focus on children 19 years of age and below.
Lalabalavu said this is alarming and it will take a whole government and community approach to nip this social problem in the bud.
He said the ministry will increase its community outreach and awareness programs on teenage pregnancies as well to curb the problem. ■
