Fiji is undertaking its first comprehensive review of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) laws in five decades, aiming to modernize outdated frameworks and transition “from typewriters to tablets.” Led by the Ministry of Justice and supported by the Pacific Community (SPC) and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative, the reform seeks to improve governance, strengthen legal identity, and ensure accurate recording of life events.

In Fiji, a major milestone was the launch of on-site birth registration services at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital. This innovation allows families to register births before discharge, reducing delays and costs while improving data accuracy. Early uptake demonstrates strong demand, with multiple late registrations completed within days of implementation.

Fiji’s outreach to outer islands, including Waya and Koro, brought marriage licensing and mobile registration services directly to communities. These initiatives reduce financial and logistical barriers, enabling families in remote areas to formalize unions and register vital events without costly travel.

The nationwide CRVS Awareness Project, which concluded in November, focused on addressing gender inequities in on-time birth registration. Through mobile campaigns and community engagement, the project tackled persistent challenges such as late notifications, connectivity gaps, and cultural barriers, reinforcing the principle that every birth matters.

Finally, regional support for cause-of-death reporting expanded with the Pacific Regional Coding Service, now available to all Pacific countries. Operated by SPC and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the service applies WHO ICD-10 standards to mortality data, helping governments strengthen health policy and improve evidence-based decision-making.

Further details on these initiatives are available in the full December 2025 PCRN Newsletter.