A troubling and alarming trend has surfaced in Fiji, as there has been a significant increase in the number of young individuals testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Last month, 57 youths, including a 14-year-old, were admitted to Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva and found to be HIV-positive. This highlights an urgent public health crisis that needs to be addressed promptly.
Selina Kuruleca, the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, shared these concerning statistics during a presentation that focused on the growing issue of drug abuse among school-aged children. During the presentation, Kuruleca stated that as of September, 1.7 percent of 3,519 young Fijians had been involved in drug-related incidents, emphasizing that even this small percentage is too many and suggesting that the actual numbers may be much higher due to unreported cases.
Data from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council indicates a staggering 40 percent rise in drug-related incidents in Fijian schools since 2018. Among the alarming practices is “blue-toothing,” where youths share needles, potentially leading to the transmission of HIV through contaminated blood.
The impact of the drug crisis extends beyond public health; it affects families and communities as well. There have been alarming reports of parents using their children to sell drugs and coercing women into prostitution for drug funding.
Kuruleca emphasized the need for communities to be vigilant and proactive, creating an environment where every young person knows that they have support to make better choices. The increase in HIV cases linked to drug use underscores the necessity for urgent action to combat this dual crisis.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of breaking the “culture of bystanders.” She urged community members to take action when they see drug use among teens and to not remain passive witnesses to the crisis unfolding around them.
Volatabu pointed out that the statistics shared are likely just a fraction of the larger problem, as many incidents fly under the radar and go unreported.
In conclusion, while the data surrounding the rise of HIV among youth and drug abuse in Fiji paints a grim picture, it also sparks an invitation for communal action and awareness. By fostering a proactive approach, communities can combat these pressing issues and work towards a safer future for the younger generations, ensuring they have the support systems necessary to make healthier choices.
It’s crucial for every individual to embrace a role in promoting awareness and communicating the importance of drug prevention, ultimately leading to a healthier society together.
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