A troubling trend has emerged in Fiji, as a significant number of young individuals have tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In Suva’s Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital, 57 young patients were found to be HIV-positive in just one month, including a 14-year-old, underscoring the urgency of this public health crisis.
Selina Kuruleca, the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, highlighted this alarming statistic during a recent presentation concerning rampant drug abuse in schools and the need for effective educational and judicial interventions. She disclosed that as of September, 1.7 percent of 3,519 surveyed young Fijians had been involved in drug-related incidents, a figure she deemed unacceptable.
Statistics from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council revealed that 3,627 drug-related incidents occurred in Fijian schools this year alone, marking a staggering 40 percent increase since 2018. Of particular concern is the practice of “blue-toothing,” where young people share needles, unknowingly transmitting HIV through contaminated blood.
The implications of the drug epidemic extend beyond health concerns; they affect families and communities profoundly. Reports revealed parents using their children to sell drugs and coercing women into prostitution to support drug habits. Kuruleca emphasized the need for a compassionate and proactive approach, urging every young person in Fiji to realize they have the support needed to make healthy choices.
Furthermore, Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, called for an end to the silence surrounding the drug crisis, insisting communities must not remain passive bystanders. She implored citizens to intervene and report drug use among children, asserting that failure to act would only exacerbate the situation.
The urgency for action in addressing both the rise in HIV cases and drug abuse in Fiji is apparent, presenting a critical opportunity for communities to come together and support their youth. By promoting awareness and preventive measures, Fiji can work towards a healthier future for its younger generations.
In summary, the alarming statistics regarding HIV and drug abuse among Fiji’s youth calls for immediate and collective action. It offers a moment for communities to unify in support, compassion, and proactive measures to ensure healthier futures for all young Fijians.
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