Fiji is currently facing a critical drug crisis that significantly impacts its children and youth, as stated by Selina Kuruleca, the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection. During the National Talanoa Session focused on addressing illicit drugs in Fiji, Kuruleca delivered a powerful message urging stakeholders across various sectors—including government, civil society, faith organizations, and youth representatives—to initiate meaningful change rather than merely gathering for discussions.
Recent statistics reveal a troubling situation; from May 2024 to May 2025, more than 2,400 drug-related cases were reported, predominantly affecting individuals aged 18 to 35. Among these cases, there were over 300 related to methamphetamine, with 50 involving juveniles. Additionally, the first half of 2025 alone recorded 1,226 new HIV cases, many linked to unsafe injecting practices stemming from drug use.
Kuruleca emphasized that this crisis extends beyond mere criminal activity; it constitutes a public health emergency, a matter of child protection, and a challenge for the judicial system. Many young people caught in the cycle of drug use come from unstable backgrounds characterized by trauma, violence, poverty, and insufficient support systems, exacerbated by societal stigma that often prevents families from seeking the help they need.
To address this pressing issue, Kuruleca calls for comprehensive trauma-informed training for police, educators, and social workers, along with the certification of rehabilitation workers and thorough child protection investigations. She underlined the necessity of employing science-based treatment standards throughout rehabilitation centers.
The path to lasting progress, she argued, depends on prioritizing prevention strategies that keep children in school, support families, expand youth programs, and provide early interventions. As Fiji gears up to execute a 24-month Action Plan to tackle these urgent challenges, Kuruleca urged all stakeholders to transition from conversations to actionable solutions, highlighting the critical need for collaborative efforts to secure the future of its youth. This unified approach holds the promise of steering Fiji towards a healthier and more supportive environment, thus fostering a brighter future for the younger generations.