Blessing Uchendu
The Anambra State Government has formally inaugurated a Drug Abuse Campaign Committee to tackle the increasing reports of drug abuse in the State.
The committee, which was inaugurated by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, in Awka, is made up of members of the academia, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, clinical psychologists, among others, and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Nwankwo.
Explaining the job description of the committee, Dr Okpala, said that members will ensure that adequate sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse and preventive measures are spread down to all the communities in Anambra State by creating a strong engagement with community leaders and other important stakeholders.
While making emphasis on the rising consumption of crystal methamphetamine commonly known as ‘mkpulummili’, especially among the youth, Dr Okpala said that the committee will also initiate and sustain surveillance on the supply chain of the deadly substance and also on its users.
He added that the committee will equally establish and upgrade referral centres of evidence-based interventions and conduct studies on meth addiction in Anambra State.
In his speech, the chairman of the committee, Mr Linus Nwankwo, assured that they will discharge their duties effectively and urged other members to give their best for Anambra state to become a drug free state.
Other members of the committee, including the Anambra State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Florence Ezeonye, represented by the Assistant Commandant, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Dr Chinwe Thompson, the Zonal Leader, International Society of Substance Use Professionals, South East, Professor Micheal Ezenwa and a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Reverend Father Chika Okpalike, all promised to work together with the Ministry and appealed for support from Ndi Anambra to achieve their targets.
