The battle against illegal drug use is intensifying in Suva City, as reports indicate an increasing number of used syringes being discovered. Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer of the Suva City Council (SCC), has noted that street cleaners have encountered a rising volume of these dangerous items during their work.
Concern for their health and safety is growing among the cleaners, who face the alarming task of picking up discarded syringes that could potentially be associated with drug use and the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Boseiwaqa reported that the majority of the syringes are being found in known drug areas within the city.
He emphasized the need for street cleaners to be equipped with appropriate protective gear to ensure their safety while performing their duties, in accordance with legal requirements.
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services disclosed that there were 552 cases of HIV reported from January to June, with 85 cases linked to individuals who are injectable drug users. The Central Division led the statistics with 380 new HIV cases, followed by 151 in the Western Division, 19 in the Northern Division, and two in the Eastern Division.
In light of these figures, the Ministry of Health has urged young people who engage in risky behaviors to refrain from using injectable drugs and sharing needles.
Boseiwaqa reiterated the importance of raising awareness regarding the necessity of protective equipment for street cleaners. He mentioned that the SCC is committed to ensuring a safer environment by conducting regular inventory checks to confirm that the cleaners have access to safety gear. He added that despite providing safety equipment, some workers have not been utilizing it properly. The SCC aims to maintain drug-free public spaces and will collaborate with various stakeholders to address this pressing issue.