FG Launches Training-Program For Teachers To Combat Youth Drug-Abuse In Unity Schools (Details)

FG Launches Training-Program For Teachers To Combat Youth Drug-Abuse In Unity Schools (Details)

The federal government is set to launch a training program for teachers in Unity schools, starting in the northeast geopolitical zones, as part of its intensified efforts to combat drug abuse among the youth, it emerged on Tuesday.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy involving the government and development partners, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to invest in preventing drug abuse and addressing its impacts.

In addition to this initiative, a ministerial conference on drug abuse will be held to bring together all stakeholders to develop policies, guidelines, and strategies for the prevention and control of drug use.

This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, noted that prevention programs play a critical role in reducing drug demand and mitigating their social and health impacts, especially given the growing prevalence among youths.

He emphasized that the government continues to work towards universal health coverage (UHC) under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), re-strategizing and reorganizing to meet growing needs, and developing mental health policies to guide psychiatric care and drug use treatment.

According to Pate, supporting community-based initiatives, promoting education and awareness, and strengthening law enforcement efforts are crucial for creating a safer and healthier future for all.

“A collaborative effort from the government, parents, schools, and the broader community is essential. By investing in prevention and working together, Nigeria can create a healthier, drug-free future,” he said.

He also disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, is working towards the production of an in-country report on the status of drug use and abuse in the country to aid government planning and implementation, pending the release of the latest global survey from 2018.

The Permanent Secretary, Kachollom, highlighted the comprehensive efforts being made at various levels of the healthcare system by the federal government. She noted that Nigeria boasts federal tertiary hospitals, teaching hospitals, medical centers, and specialty hospitals, including neuropsychiatric hospitals, all mandated to treat drug users.

Despite these efforts, Kachollom emphasized the importance of extending the fight against drug abuse beyond government initiatives. She stressed the roles of parents, religious leaders, and the entire community in molding the youth.

“The essential role families play in this battle is unquantifiable. Parents must educate their children about the dangers of drug use, guiding them to make healthier choices,” she said.

She also highlighted the roles of schools and religious institutions in educating young people, explaining the consequences of drug use, and advising them on making informed choices.

“The government must implement policies to ensure that we are not a nation of drug users, drug abusers, and drug traffickers,” she added.

WHO Representative in Nigeria, Walter Kazadi Mulombo, commended the Nigerian government for its efforts in addressing the needs of people who use drugs through harm reduction services, national policies, and coordination platforms. He noted that despite alarming global statistics, Nigeria, with 14.4 million drug users, can treat only about 10,000 annually.

Mulombo called on the government to improve access to prevention, early detection, and treatment services for drug use disorders, saying, “The negative consequences are felt by the individual, their families, and society. Enhanced prevention programs, effective treatment, harm reduction services, continuous monitoring, and proper documentation are essential.”

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent drug-related problems. Represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, Marwa highlighted that drug trafficking and abuse are driven by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, and stressed that prevention is significantly more cost-effective than treating addiction and managing its consequences.