A disturbing trend has emerged among drug users in Fiji, where some are using a method known as ‘koda’ to prepare crystal methamphetamine with blood instead of water. This alarming practice, reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is believed by users to enhance the intensity of the drug’s effects, though it poses significant health risks.
In this method, users replace water with their own blood to dissolve crystal meth for injection. Health officials are sounding the alarm over this dangerous practice, as both methods—using water or blood—present serious health threats, including an increased likelihood of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections.
The WHO report includes the chilling testimony of a 23-year-old meth user who described the ‘koda’ experience, saying it felt akin to consuming raw fish—in drug terms. “People just say we go have some koda,” the user noted, highlighting the appeal of this method. Participants also pointed out the importance of timing, as the mixture can clot if not injected quickly enough.
A 29-year-old female sex worker detailed her own experience, stating, “I never used water, just my blood for melting it up. I started to inject myself with it.” This revelation showcases the extreme lengths to which individuals are willing to go for the desired effects of the drug. Another participant, a 22-year-old named Josefa, emphasized the perceived benefits, suggesting that using blood might prolong the high that methamphetamine provides.
The findings from the WHO call attention to the urgent need for interventions aimed at shielding vulnerable populations from the severe health risks associated with these hazardous practices. Increasing awareness is crucial in developing better preventative strategies within communities that might be impacted by this troubling behavior. By addressing these practices head-on, there is hope for reducing the risks and protecting those who may be most at risk.