Meth is a key driver in Fiji's fast-growing HIV epidemic: 1 in 60 adults are affected

Meth is a key driver in Fiji's fast-growing HIV epidemic: 1 in 60 adults are affected

In mid-September, Fiji's government declared a national emergency because of a startling rise in HIV infections. The country's crystal meth epidemic is a strong contributing factor.(Image credit: Ian Cheibub for...

Mark Shaheel Lal is the founder of Living Positive Fiji and a reconciliation officer for the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He says: "The majority of my friends, they got HIV through crystal meth." He was photographed at the AIDS conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July.

In mid-September, Fiji’s government declared a national emergency because of a startling rise in HIV infections. The country’s crystal meth epidemic is a strong contributing factor.

(Image credit: Ian Cheibub for NPR)

Source: NPR Topics: News

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