Edo to establish rehabilitation centre for drug abuse patients

Edo state government says plans are on to set up a rehabilitation centre to cater for drug abuse patients.

Chairman, Edo state Drug Control Committee (ESDCC), Dr. David Osifo, disclosed this on Friday in Benin while addressing journalists on activities lined up for the international day against drug abuse and illicit drugs trafficking.

Osifo said the centre would be set up in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, to provide adequate treatment and rehabilitation.

“There is an unmet need for drugs treatment in Nigeria. According to the drug use survey, nearly 40 per cent of high risk users want treatment but are unable to get it.

”The Edo state Drug Control Committee has come up with a proposal to set up the centre taking into cognisant psychiatric patients who roam the streets as a result of drug abuse.

“Once the centre is open, we will harvest them from the streets and give them adequate treatment,” the chairman stated.

He said that in 2017, Edo state had the second highest prevalence of drug use of 15. 5 per cent in the South-South geo-political after Delta state which had a prevalence of 18 per cent.

According to him, the committee was also working to reduce drug use by promoting drug prevention, social inclusion and protection, adding that ”we will be involved in advocacy visits to schools, religious and traditional places and want parents to teach their children the consequences of drug consumption.

He said this year’s theme: “Health for justice, justice for health” highlights the need for inclusive and accountable institutions of criminal justice, health and social services to work hand in hand to provide integrated solutions.

Osifo added that activities to mark the day in the state include, campaign to mosques, churches and a public presentation of two books: “A dance against taboo and The last syndicate.”