REDUCING DRUG ABUSE AMONG AFRICAN YOUTHS

With the increasing menace of the effects of drug use among youths, the Department of Mental Health/Psychiatry of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara headed by Dr W. Edafiadhe and the Department of Mental Health/Psychiatry of the Delta State University, Abraka headed by Dr S. Agbahowe graciously saw the need to commence a state-wide enlightenment campaign on the negative effects of drug use beginning from Oghara town where the teaching hospital is located.

According to Dr Agbahowe, no effort is too small to save our teeming youths from the disastrous effects of drug use.
The Permanent Secretary, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), DrMrs Oseji, has given a nod to the programme, and says it is a good initiative and that more stakeholders should be involved in similar health programs in the state, as Government can't do it all alone.

The programme was flagged off at Oghara Secondary School (OSS), with the maximum cooperation of the school authorities and teachers. The Principal, Mr Oruah, was very cooperative, as well as the Vice Principals, Mrs Oghene and Mrs Ugbine. According to Mrs Ugbine, "the seminar was more than helpful, academically, morally, health wise and economically. We will appreciate if it can take place twice a term."

The response of the senior secondary students was very overwhelming and they were eager to know about the issues. This was evident from numerous questions that was asked during the question and answer session. We hope well meaning individuals will help support these programs which will go a long way to save the young generation from the physical, psychological and social effects of drug abuse.

The presentation was given by Dr Edugbo, a resident in the department of Psychiatry, while Dr Idenigbe, a senior resident in the department, answered and moderated the question and answer session. The Permanent Secretary, DSPHCDA, was ably represented by two delegates from the headquarters of DSPHCDA, Asaba, Mrs V. Jibunor and Mrs M. Enennoh.  It was indeed a great time.

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