In response to the increasing number of drug-related cases in Fiji, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has made an urgent call regarding the alarming discovery of discarded needles and syringes.
Founder Amitesh Deo highlighted that this disturbing trend poses serious risks to the health and safety of both recycling workers and the public. “It is extremely concerning that needles and syringes, which are considered hazardous waste, are being improperly thrown into recycling bins,” Mr. Deo stated. He warned that such negligence puts the lives of recycling employees at significant risk, exposing them to potentially contaminated needles.
PRF stresses the importance of disposing of all medical waste, including needles and syringes, through proper channels and secure locations. “Our recycling programmes are not designed to manage hazardous materials, and the presence of such items in the recycling stream can lead to severe risks, including possible injuries.”
The foundation has also urged for greater vigilance and collaboration across all sectors to avert the dangers associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
To tackle the rising human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases linked to practices such as drug use, needle sharing, and group sex, the Ministry of Health is considering introducing syringe access legislation. Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu noted that the spike in HIV cases is associated with the practice of ‘chemsex,’ where individuals use drugs and share needles. He expressed concern over the increasing rates of HIV transmission and underscored the necessity for new strategies to combat this issue.