International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Today  the 26th June is the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Trafficking. This day was established in 1987 by the UN to curtail and end the use of illicit drugs in the world.  Dr Ogonnaya Ndupu the Program Director, House of Refuse while  speaking  about the importance of today stated that over 200million people have been reported to abuse drugs and are involved  in trafficking.

Who is vulnerable?  Anyone can be vulnerable  especially Adolescents who are under some form of pressure or suffer depression. Dr Ogonnaya expressed concern at the growing rate of the use of illicit drugs,  she suggested that the effects of drug use should be included in the school curriculum. As this would help the children understand better the dangers of using these drugs.  

Dr Ogonnaya stated that the first step to ending drug abuse is to help children grow healthy and safe.  Parents should also learn to listen  to children and not judge them and refer them to appropriate centres for treatment.