50%

Half of Fijians surveyed will not vaccinate against COVID-19

The study conducted by NGO, Dialogue Fiji from June 25 to July 10 this year found that 53.9 percent of Fijians surveyed believed the Covid-19 vaccine was "very safe".

The survey, 'Determinants of Covid-19 Vaccines Hesitancy in Fiji', stated that public confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccines to prevent infection may be affected by perceived risks associated with vaccination.

"Of the 1047 respondents, only 53.9 percent reported the vaccine was 'very safe', while 19.4 percent reported the vaccines to be 'little safe' to 'not safe at all'," Dialogue Fiji stated.

Former Vanuatu Head of State calls for 50% women in Parliament

“I support the move taken by the Vanuatu Civil Society Influencing Network and Advocates for Women in Parliament to have women in Parliament. The time is now. We need women in the development of our nation, Vanuatu”, said former President, Ati Sokomanu.

Ati Sokomanu officially opened the ‘Women Leaders National Strategic Dialogue and Training,’ which is being attended by more than 100 women leaders from across the country.

Vanuatu’s National Parliament is made up of 52 elected members, none of who are women.