Collective efforts imperative to control drug abuse: DPM Poudel

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bishnu Prasad Poudel has stressed the need for solidarity among government, non-governmental sectors and community to control the abuse and trafficking of drug.

While issuing a best wishes message on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Saturday, DPM Poudel wished that the day inspired the youths to participate in the campaign of drug control.

He further mentioned that the participation of the youths was important to materialise the national campaign of Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali.

With the resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

The theme of the day for this year is "Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives". The theme promotes combating misinformation and sharing drugs-related facts as well as solutions for treatment to fight against the problem all over the world. According to a report, the abuse of drugs in Nepal is on the rise.

A survey on drug users 2076 BS reported that users of drug are increasing by 5.06 per cent annually in Nepal. Home Minister Poudel further mentioned that the increasing number of drug abusers is a challenge to social and economic development in the country.

“A sizeable portion of Nepali youth potential for the national building has been trapped in addiction due to peer pressure and family and psycho sociology problems. This has caused social crimes,” reads the message. The Ministry has launched awareness, capacity-building and social rehabilitation programmes to reduce and control drug abuses and drug peddling, he said.

On the occasion, Home Secretary Maheshwor Neupane stressed the need for solidarity and cooperation among the government at all three levels and stakeholders to control drug abuse while pointing out the dread incidents caused by it. He also underscored the need for a new vision and strategy to stem it. So far, the number of drug abusers in the country has reached 130,424, according to data from the Ministry.