An alternative health provider, offering women's and family health services in Fiji, has opened its doors with a clinic in Suva and an outreach programme.
Medical Services Pacific was established late last year to fill the gap left by NGO Marie Stopes International withdrawing from Fiji.
MSP's Executive Director, Jennifer Poole, says STI rates, including an epidemic of chlamydia, are rising in Fiji,
She says because people can often be stigmatised over sexual health issues, confidentialiy is an important factor.
"Basically, people have choices. They can go to the government's rural clinics or hospitals, or they can use a private practice. And a lot of people prefer the NGO because it's a small community, they like to see groups that they're not related to, that they feel it is a confidential service, so we provide that other choice for them."
The Executive Director of Medical Services Pacific, Jennifer Poole
