Early Childhood Identification 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 explores 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 are conducting interviews with parents and caregivers of children with disability to understand their experiences of accessing services and supports. We are also interviewing 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 will be 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 is 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