Yesterday, Smile Africa International Youth Development condemned the stigmatisation of drug users and warned that such behaviour would only worsen their situation.
At a rally to celebrate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Advocacy with the topic “People first: End stigma and prejudice, enhance prevention,” the group’s coordinator, Purpose Iserhienrhien, said this.
He said that the global drug problem is a complicated subject that has an impact on millions of individuals.
According to Iserhienrhien, many drug users experience stigma and prejudice, which may worsen their physical and mental health and keep them from getting the assistance they need.
According to the group’s organiser, World Drug Day is observed annually on June 26 to promote action and collaboration to create a world free of drug usage.
According to him, the campaign’s goal is to increase public awareness of the significance of treating drug users with respect and empathy, giving everyone evidence-based, voluntary services, providing alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention, and acting with compassion.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to work together to find ways to lessen stigmatisation problems.
Festus Alenkhe, the head of the NUJ, Edo State Council, responded by thanking the crowd for the gathering and promising that the union will support their calls to abolish drug stigmatisation in the nation.
To develop mental facilities to care for those harmed by drugs, he urged state and federal governments to collaborate closely.
Alenkhe also exhorted Nigerians to stop consuming narcotics for their health.
