Fiji is facing a rising wave of social challenges — ranging from HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse, homelessness, violence against women, to waste management — that are placing immense pressure on communities nationwide.
To address these issues, the Suva City Council has launched an awareness campaign themed "Weaving Our Future Together: Standing United Against Social Challenges," which is currently underway at Ratu Sukuna Park and will run until next Wednesday.
The campaign aims to drive community action and foster partnerships between the government, civil society, and citizens.
While speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa stressed the urgency of addressing these issues.
The Minister warned of a steep rise in HIV cases, driven largely by unsafe drug use among the youth, saying that nearly half of those living with HIV in Fiji are not receiving adequate care.
He says the government has committed close to $10 million to its HIV response in this year’s national budget, with a focus on breaking stigma, promoting testing, and strengthening prevention programmes.
Nalumisa also highlighted the alarming rise of drug-related issues, revealing that over 2,035 drug-related cases were reported in 2024 — the highest in five years.
He says in the first five months of this year alone, 1,052 cases have already been recorded.
He adds that methamphetamine-related cases have seen an eightfold increase since 2021, and major drug busts — one involving 4.8 tonnes and another 1.1 tonnes of meth — suggest that Fiji may be caught in global trafficking networks.
The Minister further pointed out that homelessness in Suva remains a growing concern, with many residents, both young and old, living on the streets.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Suva City Council, NGOs, and community-led initiatives such as the Lesu Ki Vale programme by the Fiji Police Force, which helps reconnect displaced individuals with their families and communities.
Nalumisa stressed that Fiji continues to struggle with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the Pacific, where nearly two in three women have experienced violence in their lifetime.
He says the government’s National Action Plan 2023–2028 seeks to tackle this by engaging traditional leaders, faith groups, men, women, and youth to change harmful social norms and create safer communities.
The Minister also emphasised that Suva generates approximately 70 tonnes of waste daily, most of it organic.
He says that while the Suva City Council is working tirelessly to manage waste and keep the city clean, real progress depends on public participation — through waste reduction, recycling, and restoring civic pride.
Nalumisa is calling on NGOs, churches, traditional leaders, law enforcement, and individuals to take responsibility and work together to address these social challenges.
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