Urgency of response to the current drug and HIV crisis should not lead us to act from a position of panic – Fiji Council of Churches

The Fiji Council of Churches says the urgency of response to the current drug and HIV crisis facing our nation should not lead us to act from a position of panic or without developing a holistic approach that is suited to our Fijian context.

President of the Council of Churches, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says the Council is committed to holistically responding to the current drug and HIV crisis facing our nation.

He says in doing so the Council notes that this crisis is reflective of the social, economic and health crises that our communities face which must be addressed as well as the symptoms.

Archbishop Chong says this is particularly important in any proposed rehabilitation programmes as well as addressing demand for these dangerous substances.

In this regard, while the Fiji Council of Churches has engaged with and is grateful for the advocacy of Drug Free World Fiji.

They stress they have not endorsed a partnership with the US-based Foundation for a Drug-Free World, despite media reports.

The Fiji Council of Churches is of the view that while we can learn from responses to the methamphetamine and drug crises in other parts of the world, we must ensure that the methods of response and treatment follow a “do no harm” approach and are culturally and socially appropriate.

The Council is in discussions with relevant government, regional and faith-based agencies and the Pacific Conference of Churches.