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The name for the drug-sharing ‘bluetooth’ trend comes from bluetooth wireless technology, where data is shared between devices. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
A dangerous drug-sharing trend is driving Fiji\u2019s HIV epidemic, a top Pacific health expert says.<\/p>\n
Fiji\u2019s Government this week declared an HIV national emergency after figures showed that one in 60 people now have the virus. Among pregnant women, the figure is one in 50.<\/p>\n
It is one of the world\u2019s fastest-growing HIV epidemics.<\/p>\n
Pasifika doctor, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, said he had never heard of the drug-sharing trend – known as bluetoothing – until a doctor from Fiji explained it at a medical conference where the surge in HIV cases in Fiji was being discussed.<\/p>\n
Sharing blood for the same high<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were talking about this thing called bluetoothing, where someone will take whatever – a drug – and then they take the blood from themselves and inject it into their friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a way of sharing the drug because they can\u2019t really afford the supply. So they share the drug.\u201d<\/p>\n
The name for the drug-sharing ‘bluetooth’ trend comes from bluetooth wireless technology, where data is shared between devices. Photo \/ File<\/p>\n
Bluetoothing – also known as hotspotting – is a term taken from bluetooth wireless technology, where information is shared between cell phones.<\/p>\n
Drug-users have adapted it into slang to describe the transfer of drug-infused blood from one body to another using a shared needle for a cheaper high.<\/p>\n
Tukuitonga, the director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwi Centre for Pacific and Global Health, said a second doctor from Papua New Guinea, who spoke at the same doctors\u2019 conference, also referred to bluetoothing.<\/p>\n
Tukuitonga said it was a \u201cvery sad\u201d development in Fiji\u2019s HIV crisis. He said some young people were not aware of the dangers of needle-sharing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not being spread in the way HIV traditionally is spread – sexual transmission and mother to child.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe latest outbreak in Fiji is actually the result of drug use; it\u2019s occurred mainly in young Fijian men who inject drugs. A lot of it relates to poverty, lack of education and lack of jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Top Pasifika health doctor and expert, Sir Collin Tukuitonga. Photo \/ University of Auckland<\/p>\n
Tukuitonga said the cultural stigma and taboo around HIV and AIDS being associated with being gay also meant many people would avoid getting tested because of that perceived connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the most recent outbreak in Fiji is not so much a gay man\u2019s problem. It\u2019s a drug user\u2019s problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fijian Health Minister, Dr Antonio Lalabalavu this week said the introduction of extra testing stations around the country was helping to identify more cases.<\/p>\n
Known drug users will also have access to clean needles to help stop bloodborne transmission – something that has been controversial in the island nation.<\/p>\n
Officials, however, say it is about helping people and are calling on the public to put an end to social shaming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about protecting people – not judging them, not watching them, not shaming them,\u201d Lalabalavu said.<\/p>\n