HIV Crisis Hits Fiji Youth Amid Dangerous Drug Practices

St. Giles Hospital in Suva has recently admitted 57 new young patients, all of whom have tested positive for HIV, including a 14-year-old. Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca brought attention to this alarming trend during the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution Annual Conference held in Sigatoka. She attributed the increase in HIV cases among youth to the hazardous practice known as ‘bluetoothing.’ This method involves young individuals sharing needles, leading to the unintentional transmission of HIV through contaminated blood.

Kuruleca highlighted the urgent public health crisis this situation poses. As of September, 1.7 percent of Fiji’s student population, amounting to 3,519 individuals, reported drug-related incidents. While this percentage may seem small, Kuruleca emphasized that any young life at risk is significant. She raised concerns about the number of cases that go unreported, hinting at a potentially larger scope of the issue.

The Substance Abuse Advisory Council, under the Ministry of Education, conducted an evaluation of drug abuse and trafficking in schools, revealing unsettling statistics. In 2023, Fiji saw 3,627 recorded drug-related cases in schools, comprising 1,578 in primary schools and 2,049 in secondary schools—a steep 40 percent increase since 2018.

Despite these distressing statistics, this troubling situation presents an opportunity for awareness and proactive measures to combat drug abuse and its associated risks. Engaging students through educational programs and support systems, alongside community efforts to reduce stigma around addiction, could pave the way for positive change and improve the health outcomes for young people in Fiji.

In summary, while the rise in HIV cases among youth is concerning, it brings to light the necessity for urgent intervention and comprehensive strategies to safeguard the health of the younger generation. With focused efforts, there is hope for reversing these trends and fostering a more supportive environment for at-risk youth.