Stay away from drugs, they can lead to death. This poignant message comes from Melesi Ratoto, who recently lost her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, due to complications arising from excessive drug abuse just two weeks ago. Ms. Ratoto laid her son to rest in Votualevu, Nadi, last Wednesday.
Determined to make a difference, Ms. Ratoto has become an advocate against illicit drugs in hopes of preventing others from facing the same tragedy. After consulting with doctors, she learned that her son’s widespread use of drugs had severely damaged his internal organs. “They informed me that his kidneys and liver were harmed; they were destroyed by his drug use,” she shared.
“Before you find yourself trapped with no way out like my son, please stay away from drugs and the influences that lead to destruction,” Ms. Ratoto implored, her voice filled with emotion. Experiencing the harrowing impacts of drugs on her son, she courageously opened up about their struggles.
Following the death of her husband two years prior, Ms. Ratoto faced the formidable challenge of raising their children alone. “Despite all the love and guidance I provided Naisa, he chose his own path. He was a child who constantly tested my love and patience,” she reflected. “I often questioned what I did wrong that drove him towards criminal activities and drugs. I never stopped praying for him, even until the day he came home unwell.”
Ms. Ratoto recounted how drugs took a heavy toll on her son’s life, revealing unsettling instances where family members observed him using needles as an escape from his pain. “He did things that were out of the ordinary—leaving a room without clothes, lost in his own world. He would sleep for days at a time, causing me great worry. At times, we had to call the police due to his erratic behavior. It was frightening.”
She vividly recalled the agonizing moment when police took her critically ill son. “I rushed to get him out, but his condition was grave. When I brought him to the hospital, he couldn’t even speak. It broke my heart to see him like that. Losing a son to drugs creates an unimaginable sorrow.
“Perhaps this can serve as a warning to youths and anyone tempted by drugs: please, avoid that path before it’s too late. Stay away from the people and places that lead to destruction.”
At the funeral, relatives emphasized the importance of raising awareness among parents and guardians about safeguarding their children. Last week, Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, disclosed that during her visit to wheelbarrow boys in Nadi, she learned of eight overdose deaths among them this year. “They have agreed to consultations and training to assist them with de-addiction, financial literacy, and reintegration into the workforce,” said Ms. Kiran. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports is dedicated to helping these young men find a better life.”
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, chief medical advisor of the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the harsh reality in Fiji. While specific statistics regarding young deaths from drug abuse were unavailable, she noted the severe risks associated with introducing harmful substances into the bloodstream.
“The mixing of drugs can lead to unknown combinations that may result in seizures and behavioral problems, complicating diagnoses. It is crucial to thoroughly evaluate each case during physical exams, taking additional factors into account. We conduct tests to identify toxins in the blood, relying on medical history and physical examinations.”
Dr. Cikamatana also raised concerns over the increase in HIV and other infectious diseases linked to drug use. “There is an anti-narcotics strategy in place, focusing on reducing drug supply. Our strategy emphasizes harm reduction as a key aspect of this effort.”