Menongue – The primary public health care supervisor in eastern Cuando Cubango province Daniel Nazaré on Wednesday called for joint efforts to combat drug addiction to keep society healthier and more peaceful.
Speaking at the opening of the First Provincial Forum on the Role of Women in Combating Drug Addiction, Nazaré said the fight against drugs can only be won with the involvement of a range of social players, especially traditional authorities, churches, youth leaders, teachers, among others.
He said the event posed an opportunity to reiterate that the best course of action is still prevention, through talks and awareness campaigns on the reasons, symptoms and methods of reversing the situation.
"I emphasize the importance of this forum, knowing that we are closing with a golden key the day commemorating March/Women, which, in a way, has awakened the awareness and capacity of women in the areas of education, health, security and, of course, in the fight against drugs is no exception," the official said.
The health official clarified that drug addiction or abuse of psychoactive substances consists of dependence on legal or illegal drugs or medication and that the aim of the forum is to raise positive awareness in communities about the need for a collective commitment to combat drug use and the role that women must play in this fight.
Figures from the provincial office of the National Institute for the Fight Against Drugs (INALUD) show that in 2023, the institution held 11 preventive talks in schools and suburban communities, with the participation of 1,754 people aged between seven and 60, as well as radio debates.
During the same period, 13 patients were treated, in addition to eight who are currently being monitored at the Cuando Cubango General Hospital. MSM/ALK/ALH/AMP
