By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
In pursuit of reducing the prevalence of substance abuse among the youth of South Africa, the Minister of Social Development Ms Lindiwe Zulu will as part of commemorating International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, lead a virtual drug abuse and cannabis dialogue on Saturday, 26 June.
Substance abuse is a national challenge which affects young people, especially, abuse of alcohol and cannabis. It is in this context that the focus for this year’s youth month debate will be on how alcohol, cannabis and other drugs impact on young people.
The commemoration of this global day seeks to create awareness and educate communities about the impact of substance abuse and its related challenges on individuals, families and communities; is observed under the international theme, “Share Facts on Drugs. Saves lives.”
This global theme emphasises the importance of awareness of the facts on drugs and their associated dangers, evidence-based prevention, treatment and care.
In support of the global theme, the Department has chosen the theme, “My Mental Health, My Investment.”
This theme means that substance abuse is a brain disease, and therefore, the country needs to invest on young people by ensuring that they live their lives without drugs.
