Malawi to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse

Lilongwe, June 22, Mana: Malawi is set to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with calls for an evidence-based approach that prioritizes awareness, prevention and treatment.

National Coordinator for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Maxwell Matewere disclosed this to Malawi News Agency (Mana) Saturday in Lilongwe the day will be commemorated on June 26, 2024 from 1:30 pm at Kamuzu College Health Sciences in Blantyre

He said the event would bring together key stakeholders such as students, media, public, Ministry of Homeland Security, Ministry of Health, National Aids Commission, UNODC and Crime and other stakeholders to a public lecture

Matewere added that the public lecture would be hosted and organised in partnership with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Blantyre and aims at raising awareness, advocating for investment, facilitating dialogue and collaboration, promoting evidence-based policymaking and empowering youth.”

The Coordinator pointed out that, “Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,”

He believes that if strategically harnessed, the youth could help the country achieve its ambitious developmental aspiration by 2063.

Matewere observed that harmful drug use and trafficking are becoming serious problems in the country, particularly among the Youth.

“Malawi plans to adopt a Drug Control Policy that will provide guidance in mainstreaming drug control in the national development process and provide direction for the efforts on demand and supply reduction, prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation, and treatment measures resulting in a society that is free from drugs of abuse and promote responsible drug use,” he explained

Matewere said that this year’s campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health implications of drug use.

A Youth resident from Mtandile in Lilongwe, Adrian Mussa said most youths are being exposed to cheap alcohols which are harmful to their heath.

He said the country need to develop a tangible mechanism in order to address the current situation.

The Global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide.

The Country plan to roll out Drug Harm Reduction Programme first by utilizing the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Demand Reduction Programme.

CICAD's core mission is to enhance the human and institutional capacities of its member states to reduce the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs, and to address the health, social and criminal consequences of the drug trade.