Government is mobilising chiefs, churches and communities in a “whole-of-nation” response to Fiji’s escalating drug crisis.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua said enforcement alone would not defeat the growing threat posed by illicit drugs.
“Government is advancing a whole-of-nation approach, which mobilises not only enforcement agencies but also communities, traditional leadership, faith institutions, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
Authorities are increasingly concerned about the social and health consequences linked to drug use, including rising HIV infections associated with methamphetamine.
Mr Naivalurua said traditional and faith-based institutions had a critical role in prevention and public awareness.
“The involvement of the vanua and faith-based organisations is particularly important in strengthening national awareness, prevention efforts, and community vigilance.
“These partnerships are already helping to raise national consciousness about the serious social and health consequences associated with drug use, including the rise in HIV cases linked to methamphetamine use.”
The broader strategy expands the national drug fight beyond policing to include education, community mobilisation and rehabilitation support.
“This broader mobilisation recognises that the fight against drugs must occur not only through enforcement, but also through prevention, education, and rehabilitation.”
