Pulse.ng : Foundation advocate for compassionate approaches, evidence-based drug prevention, support for women

By Sani Idris

In commemoration of World Drug Day, YouthRISE Nigeria and Thinkers Children Foundation, has advocated for compassionate approaches, evidence-based drug prevention and support for women.

The theme of the years' world drug day is "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention".

Mrs Itama Okhuelegbe, the Programme Director of Thinkers Children Foundation, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Okhuelegbe said that the years' theme, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention," underscores
the necessity for a renewed, evidence-based approach to drug control responses both in Nigeria and across the globe.

"According to the National Bureau of Statistics survey on Drug use in Nigeria 2018, Nigeria continues
to grapple with a growing drug epidemic, with a drug use prevalence rate of 14.4%, translating to 14.3 million people aged 15-64 who have used psychoactive substances for non-medical purposes in the past year.

"This rate is three times higher than the global average. Drug use presents a significant developmental challenge with profound public health and socio-economic implications, particularly
among PWUD.

"According to the survey, 40% of PWUD require treatment, but access to and the cost of treatment remain significant barriers. Additionally, the burden of HIV among the injecting sub-population, with an HIV prevalence of l0.9%, is especially pronounced among women, posing a
substantial obstacle to achieving the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.

"Women constitute one in five drug users, a situation exacerbated by punitive laws that criminalize drug use and societal stigma against PWUD, driving them underground and making it challenging to reach them with available services. As primary caregivers, women's health impacts their
children directly: prenatal drug exposure can have long-term effects on a child's behaviour, language, cognition, and achievement," Okhuelegbe lamented.

She, therefore underscored the need for a supportive and compassionate approach to drug use.

According to her, efforts towards decriminalization of drug use and the current "War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)" have not yielded the desired results due to a focus on enforcement rather than balanced, evidence-based approaches.

She therefore said the years' theme highlights the need for a preventive approach based on proven cost-effective models.

To this end, Okhuelegbe said Thinkers Children Foundation, with support from YouthRISE Nigeria, is carrying out the
"WE ARE PEOPLE" campaign, which resonates with the year's theme.

She explained that the campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of treating PWUD, particularly women and girls, with dignity, empathy, and respect.

Shee equally said it advocates for providing alternatives to punishment, prioritizing prevention, and leading
with compassion.

"llicit drug use is a complex developmental challenge requiring a multi-sectoral approach to mitigate its impact on individuals and society.

"The "WE ARE PEOPLE" campaign focuses on reducing stigma and human rights violations against PWUD, adopting harm reduction programs to address and reduce drug-related harm, and amplifying the global call to treat drug use as a public health issue rather than through the current criminal justice approach.

"Additionally, it aims to enhance access to essential services for PWUD, creating a more supportive and inclusive environment. We believes that every child deserves a healthy and supportive environment to thrive,"he said.

Further, the Programme Director said the Foundation's involvement in the campaign reflects its commitment to
safeguarding children's futures by addressing the broader societal issues affecting them.

By advocating for a compassionate approach to drug use, shee said they are not only supporting PWUD but also protecting the
well-being and development of children who may be indirectly affected by this issue.

"Together, we can create a more supportive system for drug users, especially women, and build a society that values empathy, respect, and dignity for all. Let us invest in prevention, prioritize public
health, and commit to a future where every individual, especially our children, can achieve their full potential,"shee added.

She called on the Government to prioritize the implementation and fund evidence-based prevention and harm
reduction programs.

She also urged community
Members to foster supportive environments free of stigma and discrimination, while society organisations should advocate for compassionate, evidence-based approaches to
drug use and support initiatives that protect and nurture childrens future.

Thinkers Children Foundation is dedicated to creating asupportive and nurturing environment for children, addressing societal challenges, and advocating for
policies that ensure the well-being and development of every child.

On the other hand, YouthRISE Nigeria is committed to promoting evidence-based drug policies, harm reduction, and the health and rights of people who use drugs, particularly young
people.