Drug users in Fiji have adopted a dangerous practice of preparing crystal methamphetamine using blood, referred to locally as ‘koda.’ According to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), this method is believed by users to enhance the high experienced, despite posing substantial health risks.
The process involves dissolving crystal meth in blood instead of water for injection. WHO researchers have highlighted that both methods of preparation carry serious dangers, including the increased risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections. The report underlines the urgent need for targeted interventions to safeguard vulnerable communities from these significant health threats.
One user, a 23-year-old male, described koda as akin to consuming raw fish, emphasizing the word “raw” as it implies using the drug in its unaltered form. He further explained that the drug must be injected promptly, as the blood-drug mixture is prone to clotting if delayed.
Another participant, a 29-year-old female sex worker, recounted her experience, stating, “I never used water, just my blood for melting it up. I like to do it three or four times to suck the blood out to melt the meth.” A 22-year-old participant named Josefa corroborated this viewpoint, expressing that mixing with blood allows users to stay awake for longer periods.
The WHO report stresses that the practice of koda exemplifies the high-risk behaviors surrounding drug use in Fiji and highlights the pressing need for effective health interventions to protect those most at risk. Efforts to raise awareness and provide support for affected communities may prove crucial in mitigating these health hazards.
Leave a comment