With the increase in drug-related incidents in Fiji, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has made an urgent appeal regarding the recent findings of used needles and syringes. PRF’s founder, Amitesh Deo, warned that this disturbing trend presents a serious threat to the health and safety of both recycling workers and the public.
“It is incredibly alarming that needles and syringes, which should be treated as hazardous waste, are being discarded carelessly in recycling bins,” noted Mr. Deo. He highlighted that such negligence endangers the lives of recycling employees, who may unknowingly come into contact with potentially infected needles.
The PRF stresses the importance of proper disposal methods for all medical waste, including needles and syringes. “Our recycling programs are not designed to handle hazardous materials, and the presence of these items in the recycling stream creates serious hazards, including the risk of injury,” Mr. Deo added.
In response to these concerns, the foundation is urging greater vigilance and collaboration from all sectors to mitigate the risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, to combat the rise of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) linked to behaviors such as drug use, needle sharing, and group sex, the Ministry of Health is considering legislation for syringe access.
Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has acknowledged that the uptick in HIV cases is related to ‘chemsex’ practices involving shared drug use. Dr. Lalabalavu expressed his worries about the escalating rates of HIV transmission and underscored the necessity for innovative strategies to address the problem.