5 Jan 2010

Birth rate soars in Vanuatu's capital

11:46 am on 5 January 2010

Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu says between 200 to 300 babies were born there every month from January to November 2009.

This figure could be higher with the final end of 2009 report yet to be released.

In 2008, the monthly birth rate figure was between 150 -200.

A Hospital Management Official told the Vanuatu Daily Post that the rate for the past year was quite high and currently the maternity ward needs to be extended.

According to the latest records, the highest number of mothers were aged between 15 and 20.

The Management of Vila Central hospital said that parents must take responsibility for advising their teenagers to ensure they avoided early age pregnancy.