Josefa Sigavolavola 
[Photo: File]
Schools are being urged to strengthen Family Life Education and better equip teachers to address HIV, sexual and reproductive health and drug use among young people.
The call has come from Medical Services Pacific Country Director Kesaia Robinson following the launch of the organisation’s baseline survey report on its Na Bula E Dua initiative.
She says the programme reached more than 1,600 students across six schools in Fiji’s Central and Western divisions over the past year.
Robinson says the survey has identified gaps that require a stronger response within schools.
She says Family Life Education must be prioritised, while teachers need the training and resources to confidently deliver age-appropriate information.
Robinson says teachers must also be adequately trained and equipped to discuss HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, drug use and other sensitive issues affecting young people.
She says the findings demonstrate that simply providing information is not enough.
Robinson is also calling for stronger procedures and referral pathways, so students know where they can safely seek information, testing, treatment and support.
She says protecting young people from HIV and other risks requires collaboration between schools, government agencies, communities and development partners.
“One of the strongest lessons from this project is that no single organisation can do this work alone.”
Robinson further says the partnerships established through the project should continue to be strengthened to support HIV prevention and safeguard Fiji’s children and young people.
