The St Giles Hospital in Suva has recently reported that 57 young individuals, including a 14-year-old, have been admitted and tested positive for HIV. This alarming increase in cases has been linked to a dangerous practice known as ‘bluetoothing,’ where students share needles, which can lead to the unintended spread of HIV through contaminated blood.
During the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution Annual Conference in Sigatoka, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Selina Kuruleca, addressed this increasing public health concern. She emphasized that while 1.7 percent of Fiji’s students—approximately 3,519 youths—are involved in drug-related incidents, this still represents a significant risk to the youth population and the broader community.
Kuruleca highlighted the troubling statistics from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council’s evaluation, revealing 3,627 drug-related cases in schools across Fiji in 2023, which marks a staggering 40 percent increase compared to 2018. She pointed out that these numbers reflect only reported cases, implying that many more incidents could be unreported.
While the statistics are grim, they serve as a wake-up call for addressing youth drug abuse and its deadly consequences. It is essential for communities, schools, and policymakers to come together to implement preventive measures, provide education on the dangers of drug use, and improve access to health resources for affected individuals. Awareness campaigns could significantly enhance understanding of these issues and encourage healthier choices among young people in Fiji.
The hope lies in the possibility of fostering a stronger support network for the youth, as well as prioritizing education and counseling to combat this crisis. By actively engaging in these efforts, there is potential for paving a brighter future for the next generation.
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