(Source: Government of Fiji/Facebook)

Deputy Minister of Rural and Maritime Development, Jovesa Vocea, has expressed serious concerns about the growing impact of drug addiction in Serua province.

For Vocea, this is a major obstacle to social and economic development.

He highlighted the need for collective action during his speech to officially open the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024, held in Galoa village.

The theme of this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is “Ending social and institutional mistreatment: acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.” »

(Source: Government of Fiji/Facebook)

Vocea linked this theme to the growing drug challenges in Serua, highlighting that drug abuse has far-reaching consequences on the well-being and future of local communities.

“Drugs continue to be a deterrent to development in our society, and this affects our young boys and girls. Statistics reveal that in the last two years, there have been 2 cases of illegal possession of illicit drugs and 1 case of illegal cultivation of illicit drugs in Serua province.

Vocea adds that drug abuse not only disrupts individuals’ lives, but also worsens other social problems.

(Source: Government of Fiji/Facebook)

“We must be vigilant and increase our awareness of the impact of drugs, as this will lead to an increase in social problems such as increased crime, domestic violence, rape and the spread of HIV and AIDS. The Ministry of Health is taking the lead in combating health-related issues in our province, especially HIV, as according to our data, there are a total of 11 active cases reported in our province.

Vocea also calls for open dialogue, sharing of best practices, and collaborative efforts to create a collective movement to eradicate poverty and drug addiction.