A grieving mother, Melesi Ratoto, is urging people to stay away from drugs following the tragic loss of her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, who passed away due to complications from severe illicit drug abuse just two weeks ago. Ms. Ratoto buried her son in Votualevu, Nadi last Wednesday and is now determined to advocate against illicit drugs to prevent others from experiencing similar heartache.
Doctors informed Ms. Ratoto that her son’s extensive drug use had severely damaged his internal organs, specifically his kidneys and liver. With a heavy heart, she expressed her plea: “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.”
Having faced the devastating consequences of drug use in her family, Ms. Ratoto bravely shared her story. Two years ago, she lost her husband, leaving her with the difficult task of raising their children alone. She reflected on her relationship with her son, acknowledging that despite the love and guidance she offered, he chose a different path.
Ms. Ratoto described the alarming changes in her son’s behavior due to drugs, recalling how family members indicated he was resorting to needle use in his struggle. “He would do things that weren’t normal—walking out of the room without clothes, lost in his own world,” she recounted. Concerned for his well-being, the family often called the police due to his erratic behavior.
The heart-wrenching experience of her son falling critically ill left a lasting impact. “I cried seeing my son like that. Losing a son to drugs is an unimaginable pain,” she stated. She encouraged others to avoid the lure of drugs, emphasizing the need to stay away from harmful environments.
During the funeral, loved ones emphasized the importance of raising awareness among parents and guardians to protect their children from drug abuse. Last week, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran revealed that eight wheelbarrow boys in Nadi had died of suspected drug overdoses this year. To address these issues, plans for consultations and training for affected individuals are being discussed.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, the Ministry of Health’s chief medical advisor, highlighted the significant health risks associated with drug use in Fiji. While specific statistics on young deaths from substance abuse were not available, she underscored the grave dangers posed when illicit substances compromise a person’s health. She also raised concerns regarding increasing cases of HIV and other infectious diseases connected to drug use.
Dr. Cikamatana emphasized the ministry’s commitment to harm reduction and the implementation of measures aimed at reducing drug supply, as part of a broader anti-narcotics strategy.