SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
GOVERNMENT has urged boys and girls in Zambia to keep away from drug abuse and trafficking if they are to succeed in life.
And the United Nations (UN) says it remains committed to supporting Zambia as it strides to work and promote balanced, health and rights-based approaches to drug challenges.
Speaking when he graced the commemoration of the International Day Against Illicit Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Lusaka, Home Affairs minister Stephen Kampyongo urged the youths to keep away from the vice.
The day was commemorated at the International School of Lusaka under the theme, “health for justice, justice for health”.
The Minister hoped the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) would continue to put in place various awareness activities targeted at children so that they grow into responsible adults.
He said as future leaders, youths must keep away from drug abuse and trafficking.
“Boys and girls, I wish to earnestly urge you all to keep away from drug abuse and trafficking. Aim high and know that the sky is not the limit because you can become whoever you want to be as long as you set your mind on it, “Mr Kampyongo said.
Mr Kampyongo said one of the targets under sustainable development goal number three on good health and wellbeing was to strengthen the prevention and treatment of sustainable abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
In strengthening the prevention of substance abuse, he said, commemoration for this year focused at giving children a voice in the fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking while encouraging policy makers and people in leadership to lend a listening ear.
Speaking at the same event, UN resident coordinator Coumba Mar Gardio said the international community was determined to address and counter the world drug problem.
Dr Gardio said for the fight against drug abuse to be effective, holistic approaches were need.
Dr Gardio has also commended DEC for having recently launched its 2018-2021 strategic plan whose vision is to attain a smart and value centred commission which enforces on the law on iilicit drug and money laundering crimes.
She said the UN office on drugs and crime remains committed to support the Zambian government to fight drug abuse and sustainable development goals.
