With support from IDPC - Support Don’t Punish, ISSUP The Gambia celebrated World Drug Day 2024. The theme for World Drug Day 2024 was "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention". The event focused on harm reduction.
The Executive Director of ISSUP The Gambia chapter, Alasana Drammeh, stated that today's workshop aimed to encourage youth participation, allowing them to actively engage in discussions on these important topics.
Mr. Drammeh emphasized that drug use should be treated as a health issue, stressing the need to treat drug users with dignity. He underscored that sustainable development requires evidence-based prevention strategies.
He also mentioned plans to implement INEP PLUS training and expand the workforce of prevention practitioners to enhance their competencies. This approach aims to positively influence the behavior and attitudes of young people, preventing anti-social and risky behavior.
Alasana Drammeh emphasized the importance of eliminating discrimination against drug users, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services.
Abdoulie, speaking on behalf of the youth, highlighted their vulnerability to drug use, noting that they constitute 68% of the Gambian population. He pointed out that drug use not only leads to psychoactive issues but also causes financial and economic stagnation. He encouraged participants to build community coalitions to reduce the drug menace and emphasized the need for collective drug prevention efforts.
Mr. Abdoulie likened the global synthetic drug problem to a world health crisis and urged collective action to find solutions, such as creating after-school programs and providing youth employment opportunities.
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