The Ministry of Health is exploring the possibility of implementing a needle exchange program as part of its Counter Narcotic Strategic Plan for Harm Reduction. Acting Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Luisa Cikamatana explained that this initiative aims to tackle the issues faced by intravenous drug users in Fiji while learning from successful practices in other countries.
In an interview, Dr. Cikamatana detailed the advantages of creating designated areas for individuals to safely obtain syringes and needles for drug use. “In other countries, there are dedicated places where people can come in and receive a syringe and needle,” she explained. “It’s a secure environment where they can inject and then leave.”
She emphasized the need for further assessment of the local context, acknowledging that while similar programs have proven effective internationally, it remains uncertain how they would be perceived in Fiji. “We don’t really know what the actual needs are,” she noted. “It needs to be considered in the context of Fiji. Who will be using this service? How will they be identified, and when can they access it? What will the location be like, and what security measures will be in place?”
Dr. Cikamatana expressed urgency regarding harm reduction methods, highlighting concerns about unsafe practices among drug users, who often use substances in public spaces and expose themselves to various dangers. She mentioned that the potential needle exchange program would necessitate a review and enhancement of current laws governing syringe distribution.
The development of a new narcotics Bill is underway, which might introduce a narcotics court aimed at improving access to treatment and harm reduction services. “One of the components of that Bill is to establish a narcotics court,” she stated, adding that there would be various linked avenues associated with the court.
The ministry remains committed to engaging in discussions to evaluate the viability of the needle exchange program in light of Fiji’s distinct challenges.