Admissions for substance abuse treatment at St Giles Hospital have seen an alarming increase, soaring by 1,094.9 percent from 2018 to 2022. Data from the Health Ministry highlights that young adults and those in early middle age are the most impacted demographic.
In 2018, the hospital registered only 39 substance abuse admissions, but this number escalated dramatically to 466 by 2022. Health Minister Dr. Antonio Lalabalavu describes this situation as indicative of a deteriorating drug crisis. Speaking at the national launch of the Fiji Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy, he stressed that the surge in cases is attributed to various factors including drug accessibility, socio-economic stressors, and enhanced detection and reporting practices.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted the troubling prevalence of practices such as glue sniffing among youth. He emphasized the need to incorporate the issue of substance abuse into the policy framework, holding the government, ministries, and stakeholders accountable for ensuring successful implementation for tangible outcomes.
The ECD Policy is set for biannual evaluations, with the objective of mitigating harmful behaviors among children and teens. The statistics indicate a demographic skew, with iTaukei males representing the majority of admissions, while females account for a smaller share. Although substance abuse cases are also on the rise among Fijians of Indian descent and other ethnicities, their incidence remains significantly lower.
Through initiatives like the ECD Policy, Dr. Lalabalavu has voiced the government’s commitment to tackling the escalating crisis, particularly within Fiji’s youth population. As the number of substance abuse cases continues to surge, attention now turns to the effectiveness of these measures in reversing this troubling trend in the foreseeable future.
This situation calls for a collective effort from various sectors of society to address the root causes of substance abuse and provide support to those affected. With proactive policies and community involvement, there is potential for positive change and improvement in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
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