Ground News – Meth addiction, HIV and a struggling health system create a perfect storm in Fiji

The conversation

Meth addiction, HIV and a struggling health system create a perfect storm in Fiji

Fiji’s capital, Suva. Getty ImagesLike many Pacific nations that rely on tourism, Fiji struggled during the height of the pandemic. But as tourism recovers, another crisis threatens the island nation’s stability — one fueled by rising methamphetamine addiction. Fueled by foreign drug cartels using Fiji as a staging post for operations in New Zealand and Australia, the drug has also spread to local communities. In turn, it has fueled a surge…