Agency
The Plateau State Ministry of Health says it will establish a mental health department to tackle the rising spate of drug abuse in the state.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, said this on Wednesday at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse, organised by the ministry in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the year is commemorated annually every June 26 and that this year’s theme is, ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’.
The commissioner said the establishment of a Mental Health Department in the Ministry of Health was part of ways to prevent the rising spate of drug abuse.
According to him, the department will be at the forefront in combating factors that predispose people, especially youths to the abuse of drugs.
“According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in 2023, Plateau had a prevalence of 11 per cent rate of drug abuse.’’
Shurkuk said that drug abuse prevention was the most suitable and cost-effective way that can save people from the rigours and pain of rehabilitation, thereby, breaking the cycle of drug-related crimes and violence.
He appealed to other stakeholders to join in the fight against the menace to create an environment where young people could be free from the grip of drug addiction and abuse.
The commissioner called on those engaged in the nefarious act to desist from it due to the various implications associated with the act.
(NAN)
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