The recent alarming increase in youth admissions at St Giles Hospital in Suva, where all 57 newly admitted patients have tested positive for HIV, has raised serious public health concerns. Among these affected individuals is a 14-year-old, emphasizing the vulnerability of young people in Fiji to the HIV epidemic.
During the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution Annual Conference held in Sigatoka, Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca highlighted the worrying trend of ‘bluetoothing’ among students. This practice involves sharing needles, thereby transmitting contaminated blood and inadvertently spreading HIV among young drug users.
Kuruleca emphasized this alarming trend, noting that as of September, approximately 1.7 percent of Fiji’s students—about 3,519 youths—have been involved in drug-related incidents. While this percentage may seem small, it still represents a significant risk to many young lives. Unequivocally, each statistic reflects a young individual facing dire consequences.
The Permanent Secretary also pointed out that these figures do not encompass the unreported cases, which may well exceed what has been recorded. A recent evaluation conducted by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council under the Ministry of Education revealed that 3,627 drug-related incidents were reported in schools in 2023, marking a staggering 40 percent increase from 2018. This number includes 1,578 cases in primary schools and 2,049 in secondary schools.
Despite the alarming statistics, there is hope for change. Increased awareness and targeted interventions can curb this trend and protect young lives. Community programs aimed at educating young people about the risks of drug use, along with support from health and educational institutions, can foster a healthier environment for Fiji’s youth.
Summary: The recent surge in HIV cases among Fiji’s youth, driven by needle sharing, has been highlighted by justice officials, revealing a broader public health crisis within the school system. More than 3,600 drug-related incidents were reported in schools this year, marking a significant increase and emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures.
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