The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Meth addiction, HIV and a struggling health system are causing a perfect storm in Fiji

  • Written by Apisalome Movono, Honorary Research Associate, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Like many Pacific states that rely on tourism, Fiji had a hard time during the main pandemic years. But as tourism recovers[1], another crisis threatens the island nation’s stability – one fuelled by rising methamphetamine addiction.

Driven by foreign drug cartels using Fiji[2] as a staging post for operations in New Zealand and Australia, the drug has also spread into local communities. In turn, it has fuelled a surge in HIV infections[3] and put extra burdens on stretched health and justice sectors.

Known locally as “ice”, methamphetamine (meth) is highly addictive, widely available[4] and increasingly linked to risky behaviour. Needle sharing, “chemsex” (using drugs to heighten sexual experiences) and a practice known as “bluetoothing” – withdrawing blood after a drug hit and injecting it into a second person – have all been implicated[5] in declining health indicators.

With children as young as nine being treated for addiction, and with crime statistics and reported HIV and AIDS cases climbing dramatically[6], police have called for a state of emergency to tackle the interrelated problems. But the police themselves have been accused of corruption[7] in relation to meth dealing.

Drugs, health and crime

HIV cases are expected to double this year[8], with young people and marginalised communities disproportionately affected.

The intersection of meth use and HIV is particularly troubling. Methamphetamine weakens the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections. Compounding the problem, the stigma and discrimination associated with both meth use and HIV mean many are reluctant to seek help or undergo testing.

Exacerbating the twin crises is the dire state[9] of Fiji’s health facilities after years of neglect. Hospitals and clinics[10] have been underfunded, lack modern equipment, and are short-staffed due to an exodus of health professionals[11].

These deficiencies have serious implications for patient care. And they limit the health system’s ability to respond to rising demand for a complex array of services.

Healthcare infrastructure is particularly lacking for drug rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and management of the non-communicable diseases that cause an estimated 80% of premature deaths[12] in Fiji.

A national crisis

The interplay between methamphetamine use, HIV and ill-equipped health facilities creates a vicious cycle[13] that perpetuates and exacerbates each individual issue.

Meth use increases crime, addiction and the risk of HIV transmission, particularly among young people. In turn, this places more strain on the already struggling healthcare system, as well as police and legal resources.

Overall, the situation is leading to a further decline in Fiji’s national development outcomes. Addressing these multiple threats will require a holistic and coordinated response.

With the involvement of the United Nations’ AIDS programme, UNAIDS, there are plans to develop[14] such strategies with government, civil society, regional and international partners.

And in April this year, a Pacific Regional Transnational Crime Disruption Strategy[15] was launched. Interpol’s Project Blue Pacific[16] is supported by the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police and and the UK National Crime Agency. New Zealand also helped fund[17] the establishment in July of a Fijian Counter Narcotics Bureau.

No quick or easy fix

But while such partnerships are vital for combating the supply of meth and other drugs, they fall short of connecting transnational drug crime with the domestic problems it causes.

New Zealand has pledged ongoing funding support[18] for health infrastructure improvements. The Fiji government’s budgetary priorities will also have to include upgrading medical facilities and equipment, and expanding training for healthcare professionals.

Developing and implementing comprehensive prevention and treatment programmes for meth addiction and HIV are equally crucial. These should include widespread education campaigns, harm reduction strategies (such as needle exchange programmes), and accessible testing and treatment services.

Empowering local communities to participate will lead to more sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions. Reducing the stigma and discrimination around meth use and HIV will be crucial.

Finally, collaboration[19] with regional and global health organisations will provide much-needed technical and financial support. Other Pacific nations will be looking to Fiji to take a lead and prevent the crisis spreading.

References

  1. ^ tourism recovers (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  2. ^ drug cartels using Fiji (www.1news.co.nz)
  3. ^ fuelled a surge in HIV infections (fijionenews.com.fj)
  4. ^ widely available (islandsbusiness.com)
  5. ^ all been implicated (www.fijivillage.com)
  6. ^ climbing dramatically (www.fijivillage.com)
  7. ^ accused of corruption (www.1news.co.nz)
  8. ^ expected to double this year (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  9. ^ dire state (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  10. ^ Hospitals and clinics (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  11. ^ exodus of health professionals (www.rnz.co.nz)
  12. ^ 80% of premature deaths (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  13. ^ vicious cycle (www.vice.com)
  14. ^ plans to develop (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  15. ^ Pacific Regional Transnational Crime Disruption Strategy (forumsec.org)
  16. ^ Project Blue Pacific (www.interpol.int)
  17. ^ helped fund (pmn.co.nz)
  18. ^ pledged ongoing funding support (www.fbcnews.com.fj)
  19. ^ collaboration (pmn.co.nz)

Read more https://theconversation.com/meth-addiction-hiv-and-a-struggling-health-system-are-causing-a-perfect-storm-in-fiji-236496

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value ...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do...