The battle against illegal drugs is intensifying as reports indicate a growing number of used syringes discovered throughout Suva City. According to Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer of the Suva City Council, the quantity of syringes found by street cleaners is on the rise.
Street cleaners have expressed concerns about their health and safety, as they face the hazardous job of collecting discarded syringes that may be associated with drug use and the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Boseiwaqa noted that many of these syringes are located in known drug hotspots around the city.
“We want to ensure that our cleaners are adequately equipped for their safety, as this is a priority and a legal requirement,” he stated.
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported that there were 552 cases of HIV from January to June. Among these, 85 cases were identified in individuals who use injectable drugs. The Central Division accounted for the highest number of new cases with 380, followed by 151 in the Western Division, 19 in the North, and two in the Eastern Division.
The health ministry has urged young people who engage in high-risk activities to refrain from using injectable drugs and sharing needles. Boseiwaqa emphasized the need to raise awareness about the importance of using protective gear.
“For our upcoming organizational structure and its Standard Operating Procedures, we will conduct quarterly inventory checks to ensure that street cleaners are equipped with safety gear,” he said. “While we do provide them, there are instances where they do not wear it. Addressing drug issues is critical, and we are committed to making public spaces in Suva City drug-free while collaborating with various stakeholders.”