If we do not act now, we risk losing a generation. Those were the urgent words of international rugby legend Waisale Serevi yesterday as he delivered a powerful address during the launch of Fiji’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking week in Suva. Acting Principal Medical Officer Dr Sheetal Singh revealed that substance abuse is driving a silent mental health crisis among Fiji’s youth, with over 120 children and adolescents treated for mental illness at St Giles Hospital in the past five years-85per cent of whom had a history of drug use. Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu reported that between May 2024 and May 2025, Fiji recorded 2446 drug-related cases-2098 involving marijuana, 343 methamphetamine, and five cocaine-with 150 6 offenders aged between 18 and 35. Mr Serevi warned that the drug crisis is no longer hidden-it has infiltrated schools, streets, villages, and urban centres. “Let us not hide from the truth. Our communities are under siege. The importation, distribution, and consumption of illicit drugs are threatening to destroy the very fabric of our society.” The founder of the Waisale Serevi Inter national Rugby Academy, he highlighted how sport can serve as a lifeline for at-risk youth. “Amid the challenges, we see hope. One such example is the academy, where sport becomes a shield and discipline a weapon against drugs.” In recent months, the academy has reached over 10,000 students and teachers across Fiji, spreading the message: “Stay Strong, Say No to Drugs.” But Mr Serevi said slogans alone are not enough. “This is not the fight of one ministry, one company, or one village. This is all of us.” He urged leaders-government officials, chiefs, teachers, parents, police, and church heads-to walk the talk. “A child who tries a drug for the first time doesn’t do so to ruin their life-they do so because someone failed them. Maybe a parent, a leader, a law enforcement officer, a school, or a community.” “Let us not wake up one day with regret. Let’s do more today.” Mr Serevi’s final call was clear and resolute: “One nation, one goal-illicit drug-free Fiji. Let this be our shared covenant.” Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj