Like many tourism-dependent Pacific nations, Fiji has struggled through the pandemic, but as tourism recovers a new crisis – a rise in methamphetamine addiction – is threatening the island nation's stability.
Smuggled by foreign drug cartels based in Fiji and operating in New Zealand and Australia, the drugs were then distributed to local communities, contributing to a surge in HIV infections and putting further strain on already strained health and justice sectors.
Methamphetamine, known locally as “ice,” is highly addictive, widely available and increasingly associated with risky behaviour: needle sharing, “chemsex” (using the drug to enhance sexual experiences) and a practice known as “Bluetoothing” (drawing blood after taking the drug and injecting it into another person) have all been linked to poor health indicators.
With children as young as nine receiving drug treatment, crime statistics and HIV/AIDS cases continuing to soar, police have declared a state of emergency to tackle the interrelated problems – but they themselves are also accused of corruption in the methamphetamine trade.
Drugs, health and crime
The number of HIV infections is expected to double this year, with young people and vulnerable communities being disproportionately affected.
The intersection of methamphetamine use and HIV is particularly troubling: Methamphetamine weakens the immune system, making users more susceptible to infectious diseases. Further complicating the issue, the stigma and discrimination associated with both methamphetamine use and HIV makes many people hesitant to seek help or get tested.
This twin crisis is exacerbated by the dire state of Fiji's health facilities, which have been neglected for years: hospitals and clinics are underfunded, lack modern equipment and are short-staffed due to an exodus of medical workers.
These deficiencies have serious implications for patient care and limit the health system's ability to meet growing demand for a complex web of services.
Fiji is particularly lacking in health infrastructure for drug rehabilitation, psychiatric care and management of non-communicable diseases, which are responsible for around 80% of premature deaths.
National crisis
The interplay between methamphetamine use, HIV, and inadequate health care facilities creates a vicious cycle in which each problem perpetuates and worsens.
Methamphetamine use increases the risk of crime, addiction and HIV infection, especially among young people, placing additional strain on already struggling health systems, police and justice systems.
Overall, this situation is leading to a further decline in Fiji's national development outcomes. Addressing these multiple threats requires a comprehensive and coordinated response.
There are plans to develop such a strategy with governments, civil society, local and international partners, with the involvement of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
And in April this year, INTERPOL's Blue Pacific strategy was launched. INTERPOL's Blue Pacific initiative is supported by the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police and the UK National Crime Agency. In July, New Zealand also funded the establishment of the Fiji Anti-Drug Agency.
There is no easy or quick solution
But while these collaborations are essential to combating the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs, they fall short in linking cross-border drug crime with the domestic problems it causes.
New Zealand has committed continued funding for improvements to health infrastructure, and the Fiji government's budget priorities will also include upgrading health facilities and equipment, and expanding training for health workers.
Equally important is the development and implementation of comprehensive prevention and treatment programs for methamphetamine addiction and HIV, which should include widespread education campaigns, harm reduction strategies (such as needle exchange programs), and accessible testing and treatment services.
Encouraging local community participation leads to more sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions. Reducing stigma and discrimination around stimulant use and HIV is key.
Finally, collaboration with regional and global health organizations will provide much-needed technical and financial support. Other Pacific countries are looking to Fiji to take the lead in preventing the crisis from spreading.
