A troubling trend has emerged in Fiji, marked by a sharp increase in the number of young people testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). During the last month, 57 young patients admitted to the Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva were found to be HIV-positive, including a 14-year-old child. This alarming statistic has underscored the urgent need for intervention and awareness.
Selina Kuruleca, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, revealed these figures while discussing the intensifying issue of drug abuse among the youth during a recent presentation. The statistics were initially introduced by Myrielle Allen, a consultant psychiatrist at Saint Giles Hospital, in a Speaker’s Debate the previous month. According to Ms. Kuruleca, as of September, 1.7 percent of 3,519 young Fijians have engaged in drug-related incidents, which raises concerns about the many unreported cases. An additional report from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council indicated that there were 3,627 drug-related incidents in Fijian schools this year alone, marking an astonishing 40 percent increase since 2018.
A particularly concerning behavior reported among students is “blue-toothing,” a practice where youths share needles, thereby unknowingly spreading HIV through contaminated blood. This unhealthy and hazardous behavior is contributing significantly to the rise in HIV cases in the youth demographic, intensifying the public health crisis at hand.
Ms. Kuruleca pointed out the severe consequences of drug addiction on families and communities, citing instances where parents have exploited their own children for drug distribution or coerced women into prostitution to support their drug habits. She emphasized the need for vigilance, proactive measures, and compassion in addressing the situation, urging everyone to provide young Fijians with the support necessary to make positive choices.
With the rapid escalation of HIV cases connected to drug misuse, the call for urgent action and intervention has never been more pressing. This crisis is not merely a public health concern but also a social issue that demands immediate attention to safeguard Fiji’s future generations.
In a parallel discussion, Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, stressed the necessity of ending the “culture of bystanders.” She passionately urged citizens to break their silence and take action against drug use in their communities. Volatabu challenged attendees to intervene when they witness dangerous activities among children, stressing that passive observation will only worsen the situation.
The collective message from both leaders was clear: Fiji cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this growing crisis. By fostering community engagement, supporting proactive policies, and enabling open discussions about drug abuse and its consequences, there is hope for a healthier and safer future for the nation’s youth.
This moment calls for unity and determination, offering hope that with concerted efforts, positive change is achievable, ensuring that future generations can thrive free from the grips of drug abuse and its associated health risks.
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