Meth Threat to Fiji’s Youth Triggers New Education Push

Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran recently expressed concerns over the escalation of hard drug usage among young people, emphasizing the severe repercussions including impaired judgment, wasted potential, and risky behaviors that may contribute to the spread of HIV. Speaking at an awareness event organized by the Naitasiri Tertiary Students Association in Nadi, Minister Kiran highlighted methamphetamine as a major threat affecting youth.

Acknowledging the presence of experts and practitioners at the event, Kiran stressed the importance of education and awareness in helping students make informed decisions. These initiatives cover a wide range of topics including drug prevention, sexual health, career development, and mental wellbeing. The minister noted that such sessions offer valuable opportunities for students to engage openly with these critical issues, potentially shaping their futures and influencing their roles as community leaders.

Minister Kiran’s message aligns with broader governmental efforts as reflected in past statements and initiatives aiming to combat drug abuse nationwide. Her emphasis on equipping young people with knowledge ties into a recurring theme of encouraging youth to embrace cultural identity and responsibility as tools to counteract the adverse pressures they face.

Notably, similar initiatives have seen government officials, such as Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, advocating for a collective resistance against drug use, calling on the law enforcement and communities to play an active role. This reflects a widespread acknowledgment of the drug crisis being a significant national concern endangering the well-being of youths and the broader community.

The government’s continuing commitment to addressing this crisis includes active educational campaigns, law enforcement measures, and community engagement strategies aimed at reducing the spread and impact of drug use among the youth. By fostering environments where awareness, cultural identity, and community support are prioritized, there is optimism that such combined efforts can greatly contribute to safeguarding the futures of young people and aiding in the reduction of drug-related harm.