Students Urge Peers to Reject Drugs

Students at the Fiji National University (FNU) urged their peers to reject drugs and embrace healthy lifestyles during FNU’s Mini Health Expo at its Tamavua Campus in Suva yesterday.

The College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences organised the event featuring eight health awareness booths covering topics including substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, breastfeeding, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, HIV, and hypertension.

Third-year Dietetics and Nutrition student Keona Saukuru said the expo aimed to raise awareness about pressing health issues affecting Fiji.

“These are basically health issues in the country that we’re spreading more awareness on as university students,” Ms Saukuru said.

Ms Saukuru’s group focused on drug abuse prevention, delivering a clear message to visitors.

“Basically, the phrase, say no to drugs. That’s like the bold message from today,” she said.

Fiji National University Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition (BDN) on May 22, 2025. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“If you’re thinking about it, it’s not going to solve your problem. It’s probably going to make it worse for you. Drugs is not the answer.”

“The turnout was more than we expected because given how it’s the end of the semester, we were expecting not much of a turnout, but were surprised and grateful for the big turnout”.

Thirty-five students from Dietetic and Nutrition and Health Promotion programme displayed charts, educational tours and informational materials obtained from health centres.

The students drew inspiration from their previous experience at the FNU Open Day and utilised online platforms for exhibition ideas.

Ms Saukuru said many visiting students learned new information about various health topics during the expo.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj