Fiji is grappling with a significant drug crisis that disproportionately affects its children and youth, as highlighted by Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Selina Kuruleca. During the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji, Kuruleca conveyed a strong message urging stakeholders from various sectors—government, civil society, faith groups, and youth representatives—to catalyze real change instead of simply holding another meeting.
Recent statistics paint a concerning picture; between May 2024 and May 2025, over 2,400 drug-related cases were documented, with a large majority involving individuals aged 18 to 35. Notably, the data reveal over 300 instances related to methamphetamine, including 50 cases involving juveniles. Furthermore, the first half of 2025 reported 1,226 new HIV cases, many attributable to unsafe injecting practices linked to drug use.
Kuruleca emphasized that the issue transcends mere criminality, framing it as a public health emergency, a child protection matter, and a judicial crisis. She pointed out that many young people entangled in drug use often hail from unstable environments marked by trauma, violence, poverty, and a lack of support networks, compounded by societal stigma that deters families from seeking necessary help.
To combat this crisis, Kuruleca is advocating for comprehensive trauma-informed training for police, educators, and social workers, alongside the establishment of certified rehabilitation workers and rigorous child protection investigations. She stressed the importance of applying science-based treatment standards across rehabilitation centers.
The key to long-term progress, she argued, lies in prioritizing prevention efforts that keep children in school, support families, broaden youth programs, and provide early interventions. As Fiji prepares to implement a 24-month Action Plan to address these pressing issues, Kuruleca called on all participants to shift from dialogue to action, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the future of its youth. Optimistically, this unified approach could steer Fiji toward a healthier and more supportive environment for its younger generations, laying the foundation for a brighter future.