In spite of the various laws, policies and strategies aimed at curtailing the prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria, an expert and the Ogun State Chairman of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioner of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Dr Rabiu Kusimo, has said the abuse has continued to increase in the country.
Dr Kusimo said the spate of drug abuse may consume us all if proper steps are not taken to nip the menace in the bud.
He raised the alarm in a press statement issued to mark the 2021 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He, however, noted that there is the need for the availability of direct and deliberate care and attention to address drugs problems while adding that government, community and religious bodies should get involved in containing the menace.
Dr Kusimo said: “measures to reduce the burden should involve the community, government, and religious bodies while preventive measures should target the youth, the students – all cadres, identified sources of the drugs, reasons and risk factors associated with drug abuse.
“The menace has spread all over, it may soon consume us all, unless direct and deliberate care and attention are made available to nip it in the bud especially when it is realised that young people are the most valuable asset for sustainable social development in any society, but most of them lack awareness of substance addiction which would empower them to escape drug abuse.
“The burden of drug abuse is still high despite the existing drug laws, policies, and strategies for prevention.”
He also noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives,” gives responsibility to everyone “to chase drug abuse of any type out of existence.”
The state chairman added: “It is the important responsibility of national and international leadership to provide opportunities for safe life to every citizen because it is easier to get into drug net than to get out of it.”
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