Fiji had a difficult time during the major pandemic times, like many other Pacific says that rely on tourism. But as hospitality returns, another crisis threatens the isle nation’s security – one fueled by rising meth addiction.
The medicine has also spread to nearby areas as a result of international drug cartels using Fiji as a staging area for businesses in New Zealand and Australia. In turn, it has increased the number of HIV infection and added strain to the extended health and justice industries.
Known locally as “ice”, methamphetamine ( meth ) is highly addictive, widely available 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 in declining health indicators.
With children as young as nine receiving addiction treatment and with crime rates and reported increases in HIV and AIDS situations, authorities have called for a state of emergency to address the linked issues. However, the officers have been charged with corruption in connection with cocaine trafficking.
Drugs, heath and violence
This year, there are expected to be more than twice the number of HIV cases, disproportionately affecting younger people and excluded groups.
Mainly troubling is the relationship between cocaine use and HIV. Methamphetamine weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections. Many people are afraid to get help or experience testing because of the shame and discrimination associated with both cocaine use and HIV.
The severe condition of Fiji’s wellbeing services after years of neglect only adds to the twin problems. Hospitals and clinics have been underfunded, have current technology, and are short-staffed according to an migration of health professionals.
These shortcomings have significant effects on the care of patients. Additionally, they impede the potential of the health system to meet the growing need for a diverse range of services.
For drug rehab, medical care, and the management of the non-communicable conditions that account for an estimated 80 % of early deaths in Fiji, the healthcare system is particularly lacking.
A regional crisis
The relationship between meth use, HIV, and ill-equipped heath facilities leads to a vicious cycle that persists and only worsens each problem.
Meth use increases violence, habit and the risk of HIV transmission, particularly among young individuals. In turn, this places more strain on the now struggling care program, as well as police and legal tools.
Nevertheless, the situation is leading to a more decline in Fiji’s national development benefits. A comprehensive and coordinated approach will be required to address these numerous challenges.
With the presence of the United Nations ‘ AIDS system, UNAIDS, there are plans to develop such tactics with authorities, civil world, regional and international partners.
A Pacific Regional Transnational Crime Disruption Strategy was launched in April of this year. The UK National Crime Agency, New Zealand Police, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Federal Police all work together to support Interpol’s Project Blue Pacific. Additionally, New Zealand contributed to funding the formation of a Fijian Counter Narcotics Bureau in July.
No rapid fixes or simple fixes
However, these partnerships fall short of making a connection between local problems caused by international drug crime and the need to combat the source of meth and other drugs.
New Zealand has pledged to continue providing financing for the improvement of the health system. The Fiji administration’s fiscal priorities will also include expanding education for medical professionals and improving health facilities and equipment.
Similarly important is it to develop and implement comprehensive prevention and treatment programs for HIV and meth use. These may include popular education campaigns, visible testing and treatment facilities, and prevention initiatives ( such as knife exchange programs ).
More responsible and culturally suitable solutions will be achieved by encouraging local communities to participate. It will be essential to end the stigma and discrimination that surround cocaine use and HIV.
Lastly, much-needed technical and financial assistance will be obtained in cooperation with regional and international health organizations. Fiji will be in charge of preventing the spread of the problems in the Pacific regions.
Apisalome Movono is a professor of honourable study at Massey University’s Te Kunenga ki Prehuroa.
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