Protection against drug abuse is a national responsibility - President

08 December 2007
Report: Soodh

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday night said that safeguarding the country’s adults, youth and children from the clutches of narcotic drugs was presently the highest national responsibility. Speaking at the official launching of the national “Wake Up!” campaign to prevent drug abuse and promote recovery from addiction, he urged the people to work in partnership with the Government to rid society of the drugs menace.

President called on the people to assist the Government in the fight against narcotics drugs.

“We must close down and effectively police all drug trafficking routes into the country. Drug traffickers and suppliers must be punished.” said President Gayoom.

President said “It is important to recognize that punishing substance abusers alone will not solve the problem. The key lies in treating them as patients in need of our care.”

President Gayoom also emphasized that the youth represent a very large section of our society and therefore we need to thoroughly educate youths, adolescents and children on the dangers of using drugs, as well as its detrimental effects on their families and the community as a whole.

President stressed the important role of parents and guardians in this endeavor. He appealed for children to be monitored more closely. He also spoke on the important of caring for the younger generation and giving them added attention during the adolescent years. Further, he said that parents shouldered the responsibility of advising their children on such matters, and of guiding them on the right path as they grow up. He added that no amount of investment and campaign program would be effective unless parents fully cooperated with the authorities on this issue.

President Gayoom announced that the Government would recognize and reward island communities that rid themselves of the drug abuse, as well as islands that show the best result in program to root out the menace.

In his speech, President Gayoom noted that every individual could contribute towards the fight against drugs, and highlighted that solving the country’s drug problem was not the sole responsibility of the Government or its concerned agencies alone. He elaborated that school administrators and teachers and NGOs had a crucial role to play in this effort. President Gayoom thanked UNICEF Maldives for its initiatives in this campaign and appreciated the work of the individuals and organizations that were helping the Government in fighting the rising drugs problem in the country.

“We must save our friends and loved ones who are currently being victimized by drugs. They must be treated and rehabilitated, so that they can return to society as responsible and active members. We have to help them return to leading a normal life. Their contribution is vitally important to realizing our national development aspirations” said President Gayoom.

President also launched the official website of the “Wake Up!” campaign, at the ceremony.