The director-general of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KABUSA), Joseph Ike, has said that a substance abuse prevention programme will be introduced at the state’s basic education level.
Ike, who stated this at MTN Foundation’s two-day workshop on Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), held in Kaduna, said the purpose of the meeting was for key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the new programme- “Unplugged Policy Prevention Programme,” with support from MTN Foundation.
He said that while the programme itself is significant, stakeholders must also understand the policy framework guiding substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts in the state.
Ike drew a parallel with past public health strategies, referencing the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He noted that in the early stages of the epidemic, particularly in the 1980s, efforts were focused primarily on treatment. “Unfortunately, many patients still died despite receiving care. It became clear that a strategic shift was necessary”
He maintained that a similar approach is urgently needed in addressing drug abuse.
Ike said, “Too often, conversations about drug abuse revolve solely around rehabilitation. That means we only respond once the problem has become severe.
“If rehabilitation is the only strategy the government is focused on, we will continue to chase symptoms rather than prevent the disease. It is time we begin to consciously invest in strategies that prevent new cases of substance abuse before they occur.”
Ike added.
