Early Childhood Intervention in Fiji

Project Details

How can existing health, education and social support systems and services be strengthened to improve outcomes for young children with disability and their families?

53 million children under five live with developmental disability. While globally progress has been made in improving child health and reducing under five mortality, less attention has been given to what happens for those children who survive with, or at risk of, disability.

This study explored current practices, gaps and opportunities for strengthening systems for early identification and timely intervention for children with, or at risk of, disability in Fiji.

We conducted interviews with parents and caregivers of children with disability to understand their experiences of accessing services and supports. We also interviewed key stakeholders from the health, education, disability and social welfare sectors to explore Fiji's pathways for referral, intervention and support for young children with disability from a policy and a practice perspective.

The study was conducted in 3 locations
- Suva
- Serua
- Kadavu.

Researchers

• Dr Fleur Smith
• Dr Manjula Marella

Collaborators

• Sureni Perera, Frank Hilton Organization
• Dr Kate Milner, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

Funding

This study was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the CBM-DFAT “Partnership for Provision of Disability Technical Advice and Services”

Research Publications

• Supporting early childhood intervention in the Pacific
• Early identification and intervention for children with disability in Fiji – current practices and opportunities
• POLICY BRIEF: Early identification and intervention for children with disability in Fiji: current practices and opportunities
• The Journey to Early Identification and Intervention for Children with Disabilities in Fiji