14-year-old trapped in Meth-HIV Crisis

The youngest in-patient at the Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva is a 14-year-old boy with serious health complications linked to methamphetamine use and HIV.

His case has underscored the alarming rise in methamphetamine use among adolescents, many of whom inject the drug directly into their veins.

Initially admitted for mental health concerns, he was later diagnosed with HIV—linked to his methamphetamine use.

Acting Medical Superintendent of St Giles Hospital, Dr Kiran Gaikawd, has warned about the dangers of needle-sharing and a disturbing practice known as “bluetoothing.”

Bluetoothing is when users inject drugs, then extract their own blood and inject it into others using the same syringe and needle—rapidly accelerating the spread of HIV.

“This is not just a drug problem. It’s a public health emergency,” Dr Gaikwad said.

He added that drug-related admissions to St Giles were increasing at an alarming rate.

The country’s only psychiatric hospital is left to care for patients suffering both addiction and associated health complications—often keeping them admitted for months.

“The lack of proper facilities is putting a heavy burden on mental health services and putting staff at risk,” Dr Gaikwad said.

“Our nurses and doctors are on the frontline, facing high-risk situations every day. Yes, it’s our job, but that doesn’t mean the danger isn’t real. We take every precaution to keep our patients and staff safe.”

Dr Gaikwad said the link between hard drug use and rising HIV cases was undeniable.

“We are now seeing the impact of brutal practices like bluetoothing,” he said.