Meth, HIV And Drug Gangs A Perfect Storm In Fiji

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 of Fiji's health facilities after years of neglect. Hospitals and clinics have been underfunded, lack modern equipment, and are short-staffed due to an exodus of health professionals .

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 in Fiji.

The interplay between methamphetamine use, HIV and ill-equipped health facilities creates a vicious cycle 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 program, UNAIDS, there are plans to develop such strategies with government, civil society, regional and international partners.

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

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.

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New Zealand has pledged ongoing funding support 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 programs for meth addiction and HIV are equally crucial. These should include widespread education campaigns, harm reduction strategies (such as needle exchange programs), 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 with regional and global health organizations 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 is an honorary research associate at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University .

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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