A troubling new practice among drug users in Fiji involves the preparation of crystal methamphetamine using blood, locally referred to as ‘koda.’ According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), this method is believed by users to produce a more intense high, but it comes with severe health risks.
The ‘koda’ process replaces water with blood to dissolve crystal meth for injection, leading to significant concerns among health officials. The WHO research highlights that both methods—whether using water or blood—carry serious dangers, including a heightened risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections.
In the report, a 23-year-old meth user described the ‘koda’ method, likening the experience to consuming raw fish, but in drug terms. “People just say we go have some koda,” they explained, noting the non-water method’s appeal. Participants indicated that timing is crucial, as the mixture can clot if not injected promptly.
A 29-year-old female sex worker shared her experience, stating, “I never used water, just my blood for melting it up. I started to inject myself with it.” Her account illustrates the alarming extent to which users are willing to go to achieve their desired effects from the drug. A 22-year-old participant named Josefa further explained the perceived benefits, suggesting that mixing meth with blood could prolong the high.
The WHO’s findings underscore the critical need for urgent interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from the health risks associated with such high-risk behaviors. This awareness is essential in fostering better preventive measures in communities potentially affected by this dangerous practice.