The Consumer Council of Fiji has raised concerns about the unregulated sale of glue, urging the government to impose stricter controls to protect children. In its budget submissions for 2025–2026, the Council has called for glue to be sold only by licensed retailers and banned from minors altogether. Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlighted the risks associated with glue sniffing, particularly among children and vulnerable youths, emphasizing the potential for addiction, brain damage, and the spread of diseases like HIV and AIDS due to the unregulated sale of such products.
Shandil articulated that the Council is “deeply concerned” about the misuse of industrial glue and other tools like needles, which constitute significant public health risks. She echoed the need for timely action to ensure a safer society, stating, “We need to build a healthier environment for our youth.” Recommendations include implementing strict age verification at points of sale and regulations on needle distribution, possibly requiring prescriptions and safe disposal programs.
This call for stricter regulations comes in the context of a broader initiative by the government, as recently, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced plans for legislation to restrict access to harmful substances, including glue, to minimize the risk to minors. With glue-related substance abuse and glue sniffing recognized as pressing public health issues, both the Consumer Council and government officials are emphasizing a necessary and immediate response.
As discussions continue surrounding these recommendations, there is hope that such measures, if enacted, will contribute to the well-being of children and youth in Fiji, reflecting a combined societal effort to address and combat substance abuse effectively. Engaging the community, enforcing regulations, and fostering awareness can pave the way toward a healthy, supportive environment for future generations.
This proactive stance represents an opportunity for collective action that reassures all stakeholders that efforts are being made to safeguard children’s health and futures.
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