The struggle against illegal drugs is intensifying, with reports indicating an increase in discarded syringes being discovered in Suva City. According to Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer of the Suva City Council, street cleaners are increasingly encountering used syringes during their work.
The safety and health of these street cleaners are a major concern, as they face the hazardous task of collecting potentially dangerous syringes that could be linked to drug use and the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Boseiwaqa noted that many of the discarded syringes are located in known drug hotspots throughout the city.
“To ensure their safety, we want to make sure the cleaners are equipped with proper protective gear, as mandated by law,” stated Boseiwaqa.
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported that there were 552 cases of HIV recorded from January to June, with 85 of these cases involving individuals who are injectable drug users. The Central Division reported the highest number of new cases at 380, followed by 151 in the Western Division, 19 in the Northern Division, and 2 in the Eastern Division.
The health ministry has cautioned young people who engage in high-risk behaviors to refrain from using injectable drugs and sharing needles. Boseiwaqa emphasized the need for increased awareness regarding the importance of wearing safety gear.
“For our future organizational framework and Standard Operating Procedures, we conduct quarterly checks to ensure that street cleaners have access to safety equipment,” he noted. “While we often provide these supplies, they are not consistently being utilized. The issue of drugs is a priority for us, and we are committed to working with stakeholders to help maintain a drug-free public space in Suva City.”