Fiji Students Urged to Reject Drugs, Protect Future Amid Health Crisis

Fiji's youth are being called upon to actively reject drugs and become guardians of the nation's future as concerns over escalating drug abuse and HIV infections intensify. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa addressed over 1,000 students at Delainamasi Government School during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemoration.

Ravunawa emphasized the critical role students play in safeguarding themselves, their communities, and Fiji as a whole. He encouraged them to act as advocates against drug abuse, sharing awareness messages learned at school with their families and wider communities. This initiative aims to foster a ripple effect of knowledge and prevention.

“

True strength lies in having the courage to reject drugs and other risky behaviours.

The Assistant Minister highlighted the serious public health challenge posed by the rise in illicit drug use and HIV infections, noting the strong correlation between the two issues. In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV cases, marking a significant 27 percent increase from the previous year. Tragically, the country also recorded 117 HIV-related deaths, including those of children.

Ravunawa urged students to resist peer pressure and make positive life choices, asserting that true strength lies in the courage to refuse drugs and other risky behaviors. He also called on senior students to set positive examples for younger children, defining leadership by influence rather than age. The fight against drugs and HIV, he concluded, requires a united front involving schools, government agencies, religious organizations, families, and communities working collaboratively to tackle this growing challenge.

“

The fight against drugs and HIV requires a united effort, adding that schools, government agencies, religious organisations, families and communities must work together to address the growing challenge.