The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, delivered Fiji’s country statement at the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum held in Samoa this week, highlighting the nation’s progress and future goals in supporting young children and families.

In his address, Dr Lalabalavu emphasized Fiji’s strides in early childhood development through a multi-sectoral approach involving government, technical working groups, and partnerships with development agencies.

He noted that in May 2024, Fiji adopted the Early Childhood Care Services Policy and Regulatory Framework, a landmark move endorsed by Cabinet to improve the safety and quality of childcare services. The policy also supports working parents and advances women’s economic empowerment by removing systemic barriers.

Fiji also reiterated its international commitment made at the First Global Ministerial Forum on Ending Violence Against Children to eliminate child violence by 2027. Dr Lalabalavu said Fiji’s national strategy focuses on prevention, family preservation, and legal reforms- such as raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, prioritizing child rights, and modernizing juvenile justice laws.

This approach aims to build a protective, nurturing environment for all children in Fiji through collaboration between government, civil society, and communities.