A grieving mother, Melesi Ratoto, has made a passionate appeal against drug use after losing her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, to complications from excessive illicit drug abuse just two weeks ago. Ms. Ratoto laid her son to rest in Votualevu, Nadi, and is now advocating for awareness about the dangers of drugs in hopes of preventing other families from suffering a similar loss.
Medical professionals informed Ms. Ratoto that her son’s excessive drug intake had severely damaged his kidneys and liver. “They told me his organs were destroyed by excessive drug use,” she shared. With deep emotion, Ms. Ratoto urged others to avoid drugs, saying, “Before you find yourself trapped with no way out like my son, please flee from drugs and avoid the places or friends that lead to death.”
Having witnessed the harrowing impact of drugs on her son, Ms. Ratoto courageously recounted her experiences. After the loss of her husband two years ago, she faced the daunting task of raising their children alone. Reflecting on her relationship with her son, she expressed regret and confusion over his choices. “Despite all the love and advice I gave Naisa, he chose his own path,” she said.
She described the alarming changes in her son’s behavior due to drug use, recalling instances where he was lost in his own world and required police intervention. The moment he fell critically ill and was taken to the hospital was particularly traumatic for her. “I cried seeing my son like that. Losing a son to drugs is an unimaginable pain,” she stated. She hopes her story will serve as a warning, encouraging others to steer clear of drugs.
At her son’s funeral, family members emphasized the importance of raising awareness among parents about drug safety for young people. Sashi Kiran, Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, revealed that eight wheelbarrow boys in Nadi had died from suspected drug overdoses this year. She highlighted plans for consultations and training to help with de-addiction and reintegration into society.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, chief medical advisor at the Ministry of Health, underscored the stark reality of drug use in Fiji. While she did not have specific data on youth deaths related to substance abuse, she highlighted the dangers posed when harmful substances enter the bloodstream. Dr. Cikamatana expressed concern over rising cases of HIV and other infectious diseases linked to drug use, stating that the Ministry is focused on implementing harm reduction measures as part of an anti-narcotics strategy.