Like many Pacific states that rely on tourism, Fiji had a hard time during the main pandemic years. But as , another crisis threatens the island nation’s stability – one fuelled by rising methamphetamine addiction.
Author
Apisalome Movono
Honorary Research Associate, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Driven by foreign as a staging post for operations in New Zealand and Australia, the drug has also spread into local communities. In turn, it has and put extra burdens on stretched health and justice sectors.
Known locally as “ice”, methamphetamine (meth) is highly addictive, 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 in declining health indicators.
With children as young as nine being treated for addiction, and with crime statistics and reported HIV and AIDS cases , police have called for a state of emergency to tackle the interrelated problems. But the police themselves have been in relation to meth dealing.
Drugs, health and crime
HIV cases are , 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 of Fiji’s health facilities after years of neglect. have been underfunded, lack modern equipment, and are short-staffed due to an .
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 in Fiji.
A national crisis
The interplay between methamphetamine use, HIV and ill-equipped health facilities creates a 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 such strategies with government, civil society, regional and international partners.
And in April this year, a was launched. Interpol’s is supported by the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police and and the UK ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Crime Agency. New Zealand also 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 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, 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.
Apisalome Movono does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
