A grieving mother, Melesi Ratoto, is making a heartfelt appeal to the public to steer clear of drugs following the tragic loss of her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, who died from complications related to excessive drug use just two weeks ago. Ms. Ratoto laid her son to rest in Votualevu, Nadi, last Wednesday.
Determined to raise awareness and prevent others from experiencing similar heartache, Ms. Ratoto now advocates against illicit drug use. Medical professionals informed her that her son suffered severe damage to his internal organs due to substance abuse.
“They told me that his kidneys and liver were ruined; his organs were destroyed by excessive drug intake,” she recounted.
With a heavy heart, Ms. Ratoto urged others to avoid drugs, stating, “Before you find yourself trapped with no way out like my son, please flee from drugs and avoid the places or friends that lead to death.”
Reflecting on her personal struggle, Ms. Ratoto tragically noted that her husband passed away two years ago, leaving her to navigate the challenges of raising their children alone.
“Despite all the love and guidance I offered Naisa, he chose his own path. He was a child who constantly tested my love and patience,” she shared. “I often questioned what I did wrong that led him to turn to crime and drugs. No matter where he went, I never ceased praying for him, until that day he returned home unwell.”
Ms. Ratoto described the harrowing impact of drugs on her son’s life, revealing that family members reported he resorted to using needles to numb his pain.
“He acted unusually, sometimes walking out of rooms undressed, lost in his own world. He would sleep for days on end, leaving me in distress. There were times we had to involve the police due to his behavior, as we were frightened.”
She vividly recalled the moment police took her critically ill son, “I had to rush to retrieve him, but he was in a grave condition. When we got to the hospital, he couldn’t even speak. I was heartbroken. Losing a son to drugs is an unimaginable pain.”
Ms. Ratoto expressed hope that her experience could provide a cautionary tale for youth and anyone tempted by harmful substances. “Please, before you get entangled, don’t take that path. Run away from places or friends that lead to death,” she implored.
At the funeral, family members emphasized the importance of raising awareness among parents and guardians about protecting their children. Recently, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran revealed that during her visit to wheelbarrow boys in Nadi, she learned of eight fatalities from alleged drug overdoses this year.
“They have agreed to consultations and training to assist them with de-addiction, financial literacy, and reintegration into work life,” said Ms. Kiran. “There are also proposals for forming a cooperative. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to helping these young men find a better path.”
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, the chief medical advisor at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the serious reality of substance abuse in Fiji. While she did not provide specific statistics on young deaths linked to drug use, she highlighted the dangers posed by harmful substances entering people’s bodies.
“They can introduce toxic substances or bacteria that can be life-threatening,” Dr. Cikamatana warned. She added that mixing drugs could result in dangerous combinations, leading to seizures and complicating diagnoses.
“We thoroughly assess each case during physical examinations and conduct tests to identify toxins in patients’ blood, relying heavily on their medical histories,” she stated. Dr. Cikamatana also voiced concerns about rising instances of HIV and other infectious diseases related to drug use.
“There is an anti-narcotics strategy being implemented, focusing on reducing drug supply, with harm reduction as a key part of this effort,” she concluded.