From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
A group, Smile Africa International Youth Development, yesterday, decried the stigmatization of drug users, saying actions could only make matter worse for them.
Coordinator of the group, Purpose Iserhienrhien, said this during a rally to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Advocacy with the theme: “People first: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.
He said the world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Iserhienrhien said many people who use drugs face stigmatization and discrimination which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
The coordinator of the group said the World Drug Day is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
He said the aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion.
He further called on Nigerians to join hands together to see how the issues of stigmatization can be reduced.
Responding, the chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe thanked the group for the rally adding that the union will lend its voice to their demands of ending drugs stigmatization in the country.
He called on various state governments to work hand-in-hands with the federal government to build psychiatric hospitals to take care of those who have been affected by drugs.
Alenkhe also urged Nigerians to desist from abusing drugs for their health sake.
