TEENS and youths alike took over the National Stadium in Suva for the Fiji Finals last week. Before entering the main gate to the stadium, many of them turned their attention to a small tent set up especially for them.
In big, bold letters the words reproductive health motioned for them to pop in for a brief lesson on the issue and its importance.
There to share with them insightful information was Luseana Kuruyawa, the administration officer for the Reproductive Family Health Association of Fiji.
"What we're trying to do is advocate and spread awareness about reproductive health. At a time like the Coca-Cola Games, it's important for youths to know what reproductive health is and how it affects their mental and physical health," she told Kaila!
"We had a big banner spread on the table and those youths or students that support what we're doing would come up and sign their name on the banner.
"Some even did hand prints to show their support. They are definitely interested in learning more about reproductive health."
For those who don't really know what reproductive health means, just know that it addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life according to the World Health Organisation.
"Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so," said WHO on its official website, www.who.int/en
"Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant."
Meanwhile, Ms Kuruyawa confirmed a week-long workshop for youths was held at Pacific Harbour this week to address the issue of reproductive health.