By Uche Onyeali
National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, has described the menace of drug abuse as an issue that does not just an individual, also families and communities.
The council made the observation in a statement signed by the acting national president, Mrs Geraldine Ita Etuk, in Abuja, in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse.
Emphasising the need to for proper education for the children, on the dangers of drug abuse, Mrs Etuk noted that such measure would enable them to make informed choices on such social ill.
“Prevention starts with education. By providing our children and young people with accurate information about the dangers of drug abuse, we can empower them to make informed choices. School-based programs, parental involvement, and community outreach initiatives play pivotal roles in shaping attitudes and behaviors. We must invest in these educational programs, ensuring they are well-funded, evidence-based, and accessible to all,” she observed.
The NCWS boss further noted that this year’s celebration, themed ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,’ was critical as it underscores “a critical and pervasive issue, one that transcends borders, cultures, and communities: the scourge of drug abuse.
“Today, we join the world to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“This year’s theme could not be more timely or pertinent. It calls upon us to reflect on the undeniable truths we have before us and to take decisive action.
“Drug abuse is not merely a personal failing or a moral lapse; it is a complex social issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and multifaceted, manifesting in health crises, broken families, increased crime rates, and substantial economic burdens. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,UNODC; over 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, a staggering statistic that demands our attention and our action.
“The evidence is indeed clear: prevention works. Research consistently shows that preventive measures can significantly reduce drug abuse and its associated harms. Effective prevention strategies from education and community engagement to policy and law enforcement. These strategies are not only cost-effective but also promote healthier, safer communities.
“School-based programs, parental involvement, and community outreach initiatives play pivotal roles in shaping attitudes and behaviors. We must invest in these educational programs, ensuring they are well-funded, evidence-based, and accessible to all.
“As we reflect on today’s theme, let us remember that prevention is not just a strategy; it is a commitment to our future. It is a promise to our children that we will do everything in our power to protect them from the ravages of drug abuse. It is a pledge to our communities that we will work together to create environments where everyone can thrive. And it is a testament to our shared humanity that we will invest in the well-being of all, leaving no one behind,” she said.
Etuk therefore called for more investment in preventing the scourge, and also work in synergy to end the cycle of drug abuse to create a brighter, safer future for all.
