A grieving mother, Melesi Ratoto, has made an emotional appeal against drug use following the death of her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, due to complications from excessive substance abuse. Ms. Ratoto buried her son in Votualevu, Nadi, just last Wednesday, and now she is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs.
Doctors informed Ms. Ratoto that her son’s heavy drug use severely damaged his internal organs, including his kidneys and liver. “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,” she urged, filled with sorrow.
Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact drugs had on her son, Ms. Ratoto bravely shared her story. She has been facing the challenge of raising their children alone since her husband passed away two years ago.
Despite her love and guidance, her son chose a different path. “I often wondered what I did wrong that led him to criminal activities and drugs,” she said, recalling the distressing moments when her son behaved erratically and used needles to escape his pain.
In a heart-wrenching moment, the police were called when her son became critically ill. “I had to rush to get him out, but he was in dire condition,” she recalled. “I cried seeing my son like that. Losing a son to drugs is an unimaginable pain. God has His plans, and perhaps this can serve as a testimony to youths and anyone tempted by hard drugs.”
At her son’s funeral, relatives emphasized the need for parents and guardians to protect their children. Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran noted that eight wheelbarrow boys had died from alleged drug overdoses in Nadi this year.
“There are plans for consultations and training to support de-addiction, financial literacy, and reintegration into work life,” Ms. Kiran stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to helping these young men.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, chief medical advisor for the Ministry of Health, emphasized the dangers of illicit drug use in Fiji. Although she did not provide specific statistics on young deaths related to substance abuse, she stressed the risks when harmful substances enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to severe health complications.
Dr. Cikamatana expressed further concern about rising cases of HIV and other illnesses linked to drug use. “There is an anti-narcotics strategy, and our focus is on harm reduction,” she stated, reinforcing the need for comprehensive medical assessments and support for affected individuals.