GENERAL HOSPITAL IJEDE MARKS WORLD DRUG DAY
The Assistant Director in General Hospital, Ijede, Mrs. Masidat Baruwa, has called on parents, teachers and guardians to always pay attention to their children and wards in order to prevent them from the devastating consequences of illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
Commenting in an interview with the media as part of activities organised by the facility to commemorate the year 2022 World Drug, Mrs. Baruwa described drug abuse as the illegal use of drugs or over-the-counter prescriptions for purposes other than advised by qualified personnel or in excessive amounts, highlighting that drug trafficking is an unlawful worldwide trade that encompasses the manufacturing, cultivation, distribution and sale of illegal substitutes.
While noting that illicit drugs and drug trafficking pose a significant health risk to humanity, the Assistant Director informed that drug addiction can lead to poor health, the transmission of diseases through needle sharing, poor hygiene and illnesses that could lead to the death of an individual.
“Drug addiction can cause health challenges such as HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, extreme loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, anxiety and irritability among others”, she stated.
She informed that misuse of drugs possesses severe cultural and economic consequences, noting that all stakeholders must take substantial steps to reduce its use.
Mrs. Baruwa identified some of the types of drugs being misused including marijuana, heroin, crack and cocaine among others, just as she urged youths to shun illicit drug abuse.
She urged parents, guardians, teachers and stakeholders to rise to the challenge and put up more stringent measures to tackle the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in order to protect the future of children and unborn generations.
Every 26th of June is recognised by the World Health Organisation as World Drug Day and this year’s theme is “Addressing Drug Challenges In Health And Humanitarian Crises”.
ROI/TMS/OS
