New “Blood Drug” RAMPANT – HIV Cases Explode!

Gloved hand holding STI test tube labeled Negative.

Story Highlights

Bluetoothing involves injecting methamphetamine, withdrawing the drug-enriched blood, and then injecting it into another person, creating a chain of blood-borne virus transmission.
The practice has led to an elevenfold increase in HIV cases in Fiji over ten years, with health officials warning of over 3,000 new cases by the end of 2025.
Economic constraints and limited access to clean needles contribute to the prevalence of bluetoothing, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
The practice originated in South Africa among users of “nyaope” and has now become a significant public health concern in Fiji.

Understanding Bluetoothing

Bluetoothing is a drug consumption method where users inject methamphetamine, withdraw their blood, and then inject it into another person. This sequential blood-sharing practice dramatically increases the risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The economic appeal of bluetoothing, as methamphetamine-filled syringes are affordable, exacerbates its prevalence among youth and young adults.

Global Context and Origins

The practice of bluetoothing has its roots in South Africa, where it emerged among users of “nyaope,” a drug mixture that includes an antiretroviral medication called efavirenz (EFV), which users abuse for its hallucinogenic effects. This dangerous cycle not only transmits HIV through blood-sharing but also involves the misuse of HIV medications, further complicating the health crisis.

Health Implications

The combination of methamphetamine use and HIV infection creates a particularly dangerous synergy due to the weakened immune systems of meth users. Beyond HIV, bluetoothing exposes participants to multiple infections, including hepatitis B and C, sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions. The physical health consequences are severe, with risks of organ damage, overdose, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Social and Economic Impacts

The bluetoothing crisis in Fiji has profound social and economic implications. It disrupts family dynamics, isolates affected individuals from support networks, and imposes financial burdens due to addiction and healthcare costs. The concentration of cases among youth threatens to impact workforce participation and economic productivity for decades.

Public Health Response

Health organizations like Medical Services Pacific are responding with free counseling services and public awareness campaigns to combat the stigma associated with both methamphetamine use and HIV. However, addressing the dual stigma and ensuring access to treatment remain critical challenges.

Expert Perspectives

Experts emphasize that the intersection of meth use and HIV is particularly troubling due to the compromised immune systems of meth users. Public health officials highlight the need for comprehensive interventions that address addiction, infectious disease management, and community education.