School students have been reminded of the harmful effects of drugs as the Assistant Minister for Education, Iliesa Vanawalu launched the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Week at Suva Grammar School.

Vanawalu told the students to be responsible, make the right choice and stay away from drugs.

He also reminded the students that if they decide to use or abuse drugs or any other substance now, the cost of drug use can range from poor memory, heart and lungs damage, school dropout, unemployment, family problems and many more negative repercussions.

Vanawalu also addressed the alarming statistics from the UNODC World Drug Report 2023, which indicated a global increase in drug use by 23 percent over the last decade.

He says Fiji is not free, and we need to be more vigilant to protect our children and youths from this drug pandemic.

In addition, he highlighted the critical link between drug use and various health issues, including mental ill-health and the rise in HIV cases due to unsafe drug practices.

Vanawalu says in 2022, there were 275 HIV cases reported, and in 2023, the cases increased to 415.

He says this alarming increase was suspected due to the use of drug bluetoothing as people share one needle amongst 4 to 5 people

Vanawalu also called for a united front in education and awareness programs preventing drug abuse, urging all sectors of society to join forces.