THE position taken by the Ra Provincial Council against illicit drugs deserves strong support, says iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu.
While opening the Council meeting at Nanukuloa, Rakiraki, this week Mr Vasu reiterated that drugs are not only a police matter.
“They are a direct attack on families, village discipline, education, health and the future workforce of the province,” he said.
“The first line of defence must be the home, the church and the vanua. Chiefs, parents, teachers, health workers, women, youth leaders, and police must act together.
“Silence protects the dealer, not the child. Every district should establish a coordinated awareness and referral programme, and every village should know how to report concerns safely.”
Mr Vasu said the same united approach was required in responding to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
“I call on every tikina (district) and village to support confidential testing, accurate awareness, early referral and treatment adherence.
“The church and the vanua must provide moral guidance while also extending compassion, because fear and stigma drive the problem underground. Protecting life, restoring dignity, and preventing further transmission must be our shared responsibility.”
Mr Vasu said according to the health report – typhoid and leptospirosis were identified as major concerns and also warned that HIV and tuberculosis cases were rising.
“HIV/AIDS must be confronted openly, compassionately and without stigma.
“Silence, shame, and misinformation allow infection to spread and discourage people from testing or seeking treatment.
“Parents, churches, schools, youth leaders, and health workers must speak truthfully about prevention, responsible behaviour, the dangers of sharing needles, and the importance of testing and early treatment.
“People living with HIV must be treated with dignity and supported to remain on treatment.
“The wider public-health advice is equally practical: protect drinking water, maintain sanitation, wash hands, handle animals safely, avoid floodwater and seek medical care early.”
He said community health was not created by hospitals alone; it was created by informed and disciplined choices in homes and villages.
“Government and its partners have strengthened health facilities through generators, solar systems, fencing, connectivity, and equipment.
“Rakiraki Hospital has received a new floor-mounted X-ray machine, and solar installations and generators have been provided or programmed for several health centres and nursing stations.
“Civil works for a new clinic at Tokaimalo Nursing Station are also being handled during this financial year.”
