SHILLONG, June 26 - The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today with stakeholders emphasising on more awareness programmes to eradicate the menace of drug abuse.
In a programme held on the occasion, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Hector Marwein, said that drug abuse ruins both the individual and the society as a whole.
He was speaking at the Don Bosco Youth Centre at a function which was jointly organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, the Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya and other stakeholders.
The theme of this year�s observance is �Health for Justice, Justice for Health�. Marwein termed drug abuse as a psychiatric, social and psychological problem.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of drug users among children and youths, Marwein said youths can easily succumb to peer pressure when it comes to drug abuse.
Marwein stressed the need to hold awareness programmes in schools and colleges so that children and youths can be made aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Earlier, East Khasi Hills City SP, SA Rynjah, flagged off a rally of school and college students from the State Central Library premises to the Don Bosco Centre.
Tura Correspondent adds: The Social Welfare Department in East Garo Hills, in collaboration with the Chibasal Women�s SHG, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse at the Williamnagar Government College on Wednesday.
The chief guest on the occasion, Aloysius Ch Marak, ADC, said that such programmes were the need of the hour to make youths aware of the ill effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He also rued that drug abuse among youths is increasing, and said that a comprehensive solution is needed to check the menace.
