Meth, HIV and drug gangs a perfect storm in Fiji

Like many Pacific states that rely on tourism, Fiji had a hard time during the main pandemic years. But as tourism recovers, another crisis threatens the island nation’s stability – one fueled by rising methamphetamine addiction.

Driven by foreign drug cartels using Fiji as a staging post for operations in New Zealand and Australia, the drug has also spread into local communities. In turn, it has fueled a surge in HIV infections and put extra burdens on stretched health and justice sectors.

Known locally as “ice,” methamphetamine (meth) is highly addictive, widely available and increasingly linked to risky behaviour. Needle sharing, “chemsex” (using drugs to heighten sexual experiences) and a practice known as “bluetoothing” – withdrawing blood after a drug hit and injecting it into a second person – have all been implicated in declining health indicators.

With children as young as nine being treated for addiction, and with crime statistics and reported HIV and AIDS cases climbing dramatically, police have called for a state of emergency to tackle the interrelated problems. But the police themselves have been accused of corruption in relation to meth dealing.

Drugs, health and crime

HIV cases are expected to double this year, with young people and marginalized communities disproportionately affected.

The intersection of meth use and HIV is particularly troubling. Methamphetamine weakens the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections. Compounding the problem, the stigma and discrimination associated with both meth use and HIV mean many are reluctant to seek help or undergo testing.

Exacerbating the twin crises is the dire state of Fiji’s health facilities after years of neglect. Hospitals and clinics have