Completion of RH Project
The RH project finished on December 31st, 2014. This milestone was recognised on March 17th, 2015 at an event held at VSHC. The occasion was marked with the launch of a book on RH for the young entitled "Understanding your own Reproductive Health". At the same time the Project Report " Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls in Reproductive Health", along with a press release and a brochure with a summary of outputs of the Project were presented. It was also a delayed International Women's Day celebration with the theme of "Make it Happen". The chief guest was Andrew Jacobs, the EU Ambassador.
Download the full Project Report.
You can also download the RH Project "Log of Activity" to see in more detail what has been achieved during the period that the project has been running.
Copy of the recent press release.
New Publications Support Women's Reproductive Health.
The Viseisei Sai Health Centre today launched two publications on Women's Reproductive Health to mark the completion of a two-year project implemented in partnership with the European Union to empower rural women and girls about their reproductive health.
The launch of the "Understanding Your Own Reproductive Health" and the "Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls in Reproductive Health" publications are part of the European Year for Development campaign in Fiji and its global thematic focus on women and girls this month.
In launching the two publications at Viseisei today, European Union Ambassador for the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs said: The Viseisei Sai Health Centre, with the support of the European Union, has been leading one of Fiji's largest human rights projects to empower women by giving them access to reproductive health services provided by a dedicated team of experts who work hard to cover a large area of rural western Viti Levu.
"Women and girls must be informed of and have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable health care services. However, in accessing health care and services, they are not often guaranteed privacy and confidentiality, nor do they always receive full information about reproductive health options and services.
"Over 70% of a total of 1,505 rural women surveyed in a baseline survey conducted by the Viseisei Sai Health Centre had no knowledge of reproductive health issues such as cervical cancer and its prevention. This project has been about empowering women to exercise their health rights by providing them with information and outreach clinical services in family planning and contraceptive use," Ambassador Jacobs said.
"2015 has been designated by the European Union as the European Year for Development or EYD2015. We see this as an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our partnership with initiatives like the Viseisei Sai Health Centre as well as to showcase our support in the Pacific," he said.
Through the project, the Viseisei Sai Health Centre has provided rural women and girls with access to the right knowledge and information on reproductive health and has conducted 161 outreach clinics and provided educational and clinical services to over 11,000 rural women and girls. Apart from clinical services, counselling and educational workshops, the Centre has also conducted awareness campaigns on reproductive health with various groups, including men and boys.
"Reproductive Health is a human right denied to many women and girls because of gender inequality, lack of information and their ability to make informed choices about themselves. This leads to serious consequences for a woman, her ability to realise her full potential and participate in society fully," said Dr Swaran Naidu, Project Coordinator of the Viseisei Sai Health Centre.
"Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer, yet it is very common in Fiji. There are over a 100 new cases each year presenting late when a cure is not possible. If women are screened, this disease can be prevented. During this project, 4013 pap smears were conducted and several women were identified with the early stages of the disease when a cure was possible," she said. (ENDS)
Contact: Debbie Singh, EU Press Officer. Tel: +679 331-3633. Email: debbie.singh@eeas.europa.eu
Dr Swaran Naidu, Project Coordinator, Viseisei Sai Health Centre. Email: swaran.naidu108@gmail.com
Background
This EU supported initiative by the Viseisei Sai Health Centre addresses several key issues. It was designed to empower rural women and girls through education and advocacy and to improve their access to targeted clinical services. It targeted a critical area, addressing the areas of gender equality and domestic violence. Strategies to reach out to the most disadvantaged communities in the sugar farming areas of Viti Levu have been an added value of the project. Additionally, the inclusion of youth, such as school children and tertiary students, has seen sustained long-term benefits. The involvement of partners from the Ministries of Health, Women's Affairs, Education, Youth and Sport has optimised the use of resources in making a valuable contribution towards changing lifestyle factors and social values and thus contributing to a healthier, better functioning, more informed and self-reliant community.
Cover of the recently launched book for the young.
Cover of the RH Report
Map showing the areas covered by the RH team throughout the Project.
Cover and inside of Brochure for RH Event on March 17th.
Photos from Reproductive Health closing event at VSHC.
