HIV and drug use trigger a growing public health challenge in Fiji as Rotuma festival highlights government action
A sharp rise in HIV/AIDS cases linked to illicit drug use is placing Fiji among the Asia-Pacific nations grappling with accelerating transmission, with the country now reported to be second in the region after the Philippines. The concern was raised during the opening of the Rotuma Youth Festival, where Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru warned about the devastating impact of drug addiction on young people, their families, and communities nationwide.
Illicit drug use, the minister said, is “the devil among us,” and he urged youth to reject addiction to safeguard their futures. The statement comes as health officials emphasize that the epidemic strains already limited resources and stretches the healthcare system beyond capacity. “Beyond the health consequences, the epidemic places heavy burdens on families and the entire healthcare system, stretching already limited resources,” Saukuru noted.
The Rotuma Youth Festival—a week-long program featuring a government ministry roadshow, sports competitions, and district awareness—serves as a platform to raise awareness and mobilize communities. The festival concludes on Wednesday, but organizers say the momentum should continue beyond the event to address the root causes of drug use and HIV transmission.
Recent data underscore the urgency. Last month, 57 young people admitted to Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva tested HIV-positive, including a 14-year-old. Health and justice officials stress that this is not just a health crisis but a social crisis, with drug use among youths linked to risk behaviors such as sharing needles.
In addition to the HIV data, other indicators highlight the scope of the challenge. As of September, about 1.7 percent of 3,519 surveyed young Fijians were involved in drug-related incidents. The Substance Abuse Advisory Council reports that in 2023 there were 3,627 drug-related incidents in Fiji’s schools—1,578 in primary schools and 2,049 in secondary schools—amounting to a 40 percent rise since 2018. A concerning practice among some youths is “blue-toothing,” the sharing of needles that can transmit HIV through contaminated blood.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have been calling for urgent, concerted action. Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, has urged an end to the “culture of bystanders,” stressing that vigilance and proactive intervention are essential when drug use is observed among youth. The broader message from leaders across Fiji is one of unity: combatting drug misuse and preventing HIV requires education, awareness, testing, and community involvement.
What this means for Fiji’s youth and communities
– The convergence of rising HIV cases and increasing drug-related incidents signals the need for expanded, youth-friendly health services, including accessible testing and treatment, needle-safety education, and stigma-reducing outreach.
– School and community-based programs must be strengthened to provide safer environments and clear pathways to help for young people at risk.
– Multi-sector collaborations—health, justice, education, and youth services—are critical to turning the tide and sustaining progress beyond festival campaigns.
Editorial note and value-added context
– The Rotuma festival’s emphasis on awareness and community engagement is a positive step in building resilience among youth. Translating festival momentum into ongoing community programs, school initiatives, and local health access will be key.
– While statistics are alarming, public discourse that highlights real stories and practical actions can reduce stigma and encourage young people to seek help early.
A hopeful path forward
There is clear, growing recognition that this crisis demands sustained, multi-layered action. With continued government roadshows, targeted education, and active community involvement, Fiji can curb risky behaviors, reduce new HIV infections among youth, and support families affected by drug misuse. The Rotuma festival’s call to unity and prevention offers a foundation for a healthier, more hopeful future for Fiji’s youth. Possible next steps include expanding youth-friendly clinics, scaling up school-based prevention programs, and maintaining open channels for communities to report and address drug use early.
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