Abuse of drugs and alcohol are among the main challenges that continue to hinder the development of the youth and could potentially derail the country’s economic development, it has emerged. According to police statistics, Kigali City still leads in abuse of drugs and alcohol, Southern Province comes second, while the Eastern, Western and Northern province follow in that order. This year alone, among the 742 patients who were admitted at Ndera Psychiatric Hospital, 22.6% related to drugs and alcohol, with the ‘patients’ ranging between 16-20 years old. The most affected groups are secondary school and university students, taxi drivers and conductors, idlers as well as sex workers. Drug abuse and alcohol consumption have also been linked to various illnesses, crimes, prostitution, HIV/Aids prevalence, robbery, suicide, psychiatric problems, and unwanted pregnancies, homelessness, among other consequences It is against such a backdrop that the Rwanda National Police, the Ministry of Youth, and Imbuto Foundation, will, on Tuesday, launch a national awareness campaign against drug abuse and irresponsible alcohol consumption. “The youth have played a critical role in building the economies of developed countries. You, however, cannot engage the youth in development issues when they are they’re abuse drugs,” said police spokesperson, Supt Theos Badege. “We want all the stakeholders to commit to addressing these challenges”. Police statistics indicate that, between July and November, last year, more than two tonnes of Marijuana and 7,777 litres of Kanyanga (illicit gin) were seized and destroyed, while 2,751 people were arrested in connection with possession of the drugs. Hard drugs such as heroine were also seized. Badege advised the youth to establish anti-drug abuse clubs to debate and sensitize their colleagues about the hazards of consuming drugs, adding it would help and shape them to be good citizens. “We call on the youth to form anti-drug abuse clubs at grassroots level to engage in debate and use songs to educate their peers about the negative impact of drugs, and believe that, through these initiatives, the youth will abstain from drug abuse,” Badege added. He warned bar and hotel owners who sell alcohol to children under 21, saying the offenders will face the wrath of the law. eric.kabeera@newtimes.co.rw
