There is a troubling increase in the number of young people testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Fiji, with recent statistics revealing alarming rates. In the past month, 57 young individuals at the Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva were found to be HIV-positive, including a 14-year-old. This finding underscores the urgent need to tackle this growing public health crisis.
Selina Kuruleca, the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, brought these alarming figures to light during a presentation focused on the escalation of drug abuse among students and the necessity for enhanced education and justice responses. 1.7 percent of 3,519 young Fijians have been involved in drug-related incidents as of September. The Substance Abuse Advisory Council reported 3,627 drug-related incidents in Fiji’s schools, with a significant increase of 40 percent since 2018.
A concerning trend among students involves “blue-toothing,” which is the sharing of needles that may spread HIV through contaminated blood. This behavior contributes significantly to the rising HIV cases in the youth population, not only highlighting a public health crisis but also a growing societal issue.
Kuruleca emphasized the drug epidemic’s detrimental effects on families and communities, stating that in some instances, parents have resorted to using their own children to deal drugs. The intensity of this issue calls for a proactive and compassionate approach to provide support for young people in making positive life choices.
The founder of Drug Free World Fiji, Kalesi Volatabu, echoed these concerns, calling for an end to the “culture of bystanders” that has enabled this crisis to persist. She urged the public to take decisive action against drug use among vulnerable youth, stating that complacency could lead to dire consequences for society.
As statistics reveal merely a fraction of the actual problem, the fight against this public health emergency must involve active participation from every sector of society. This call to action presents an opportunity for communities to unite against substance abuse, emphasizing education, prevention, and support as essential tools to combat this issue.
In summary, while the rising rates of HIV and drug abuse among youth in Fiji are alarming, the community has the chance to come together to create positive change. By raising awareness and actively intervening in the lives of young people, there is hope for a healthier and more resilient future for Fiji’s youth.
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