Results for illicit drugs in Tonga

The unmanaged drugs issue in Tonga is becoming “a new normal”, says Tonga's Head Psychiatrist, Dr. Mapa Puloka, who is seeing illicit drug-related disorders making up 40% of monthly admissions to the psychiatric ward. With mental health impacts skyrocketing, there is no one available to pick up the pieces. From the frontline, both Mapa and the Salvation Army counselor Mele Prescott are lonely voices urging government to establish a drugs rehabilitation center in Tonga, as they see families and communities being broken by the mental health impacts of illicit drugs use. Interview by Katalina Siasau.