Average of 3 girls under 19 pregnant

The daily average pregnancy rate of girls below the age of 19 in Fiji is three girls per day.

This is according to the 2004 to 2009 statistics compiled by the Ministry of Health which reports a total of 7,705 cases of girls between the ages of 16 to 19 were pregnant and from this, seventy one cases involved girls at the age of 15 years.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Peni Namotu said young peers fall easily into temptations such as alcohol and drugs which are a contributing factor and don't take heed of the warnings given by parents.

Namotu said one of the main consequences that these young girls face is to drop out of school and take care of the child.

He said parents, teachers, churches, government organizations and NGO's should educate children on the consequences of having sexual intercourse at an early age.

He adds that other family members should also share information on how to stop unwanted pregnancies.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso