There is an urgent need for enhanced data collection on drug use at the school level to effectively monitor substance use trends among students. Vilisimani Rakikau, a counsellor with the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, emphasizes that while some educational institutions have witnessed a decline in drug-related incidents, comprehensive data on the national scale remains inadequately gathered.
In conjunction with the upcoming International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a national campaign is set to kick off next week. This initiative aims to raise awareness among students about the current state of drug use across the country. Schools that participate in this campaign will be responsible for collecting data that will inform future policies and program directions, thereby shaping ongoing strategies related to the National Narcotics Strategy, which was launched earlier this year.
Rakikau stressed the importance of schools improving their data collection efforts, stating that this enhancement would help accurately ascertain whether drug use among students is increasing or decreasing and determine which interventions are successfully addressing the issue. This effort follows recent reports highlighting concerning trends in drug use, particularly among girls, as the Ministry of Education has noted a rise in girls being found either under the influence or possessing drugs in school settings.
The commitment to improving data collection and awareness initiatives comes at a crucial time as Fiji navigates rising instances of youth drug use. The collaboration between educational institutions, law enforcement, and communities is essential in fostering a safer environment for young people. By prioritizing improved data collection and awareness efforts, there is hope for a positive change that ensures the well-being of Fiji’s youth and lays the foundation for effective prevention strategies.
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