Syringe discovery sparks safe needle exchange proposal

The discovery of syringes in a trash boom at the Nabua River has prompted the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to consider proposing a safe needle exchange programme amid growing concerns over drug use and the spread of HIV.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya revealed the proposal during an interview in Labasa yesterday.

She said authorities were still trying to determine whether the syringes were used for medical purposes or illegal drugs.

“We are collecting data now to find out how many syringes were found in the river near Nabua Settlement and whether there is a discovery of syringes at other locations in Viti Levu where trash boom was placed also,” Ms Tabuya said.

“Once we have the data from the Trashboom Pacific company then we will be able provide it to the Police and Ministry of Health and Medical Services.”

Ms Tabuya said syringes and needles should always be disposed of separately because they are hazardous waste.

However, she said authorities were concerned about why the syringes were ending up in rivers and household rubbish.

“One of the solutions to address this issue that we are looking at is by creating awareness on a safe needle exchange program to the targeted settlements and places where the syringes are found,” she said.

“We are worried about the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the use of syringes and needles for illegal drugs.”

Ms Tabuya said Government was taking the issue seriously and working with relevant agencies on harm reduction measures, as well as addressing the demand and supply of syringes and related issues.