74.8 percent of Alcohol and Other Drugs cases that Empower Pacific has dealt with involve men, with the majority aged 18 to 25 years and 26 to 35 years, while women are most affected in the 26–35 years age group at 8.1 percent.
Chief Executive Officer of Empower Pacific, Patrick Morgam shared this while launching their Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselling Services today at Pasifika Communities University in Nasese, with the aim of tackling substance abuse and strengthening mental health support for Pacific communities.
The launch marks a critical step forward in addressing substance abuse and providing hope, recovery, and support for affected individuals and families.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr Jemesa Tudravu also highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the Fiji Police Force recorded a 42 percent rise in illicit drug cases in the 12 months leading to August last year compared to the previous year.
He adds that Empower Pacific reported a 75 percent increase in drug cases in April 2024 compared to earlier months.
Dr Tudravu adds that there was a rise in alcohol consumption, from 3.18 litres per capita in 2017 to 3.58 litres in 2020, marking a 12.6 percent increase.
He also stresses that methamphetamine use is increasingly straining Fiji’s health system, and the government’s Counter-Narcotic Strategy 2023–2028 focuses on harm reduction, treatment, and prevention.
Dr Tudravu emphasises the importance of counselling, advocacy, and education in supporting recovery and preventing relapse among those affected by substance abuse.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Empower Pacific officials say that the organisation also supports their clients in need of assistance by providing adult diapers, dignity packs with sanitary items, and infant packs containing baby diapers, wipes, powder, and soap.
Morgam reassures that the new counselling services are confidential, client-focused, and stigma-free, delivered by more than 30 trained counsellors and social workers across branches in Fiji, Honiara, and the Solomon Islands.
Morgam adds that the AOD services will target treatment, prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, and community awareness, supported by partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Humanitarian Partnership, UNICEF Pacific, Volunteer Services Abroad, Legal Aid Commission, faith-based groups, civil society organisations, and other donor partners.
The event ended with a tour of the exhibition on Empower Pacific’s proposed service and positive impacts of the projects done.
If you are facing issues and would like to speak to a counsellor, then you can call Empower Pacific toll free number 5626.
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