Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, says the ministry intends to combat drug misuse among youths in the state in order to protect future generations.

He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Sunday.

The fight, according to Okpala, is in response to the increased usage of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘Mkpulummili,’ particularly among youths.

He stated that the state government is concerned about recent events and has formally established a Drug Addiction Campaign Committee to combat the state’s escalating drug abuse problem.

Members of academia, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, and Clinical Psychologists, among others, are on the committee, according to Okpala.

The commissioner stated that the group is chaired by Mr. Linus Nwankwo, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, and that he is certain that the team would provide significant outcomes.

He said, “The job description of the committee is designed to achieve a fast and greater result to stop the ugly outcome of drug abuse in lives of the young people.

“Members of the committee would ensure that adequate sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse and preventive measures are spread across all the communities in Anambra.”

Okpala stated that the committee would achieve its goal through forging strong ties with community leaders, faith-based organizations, youth groups, and other key state players.

Okpala stated that the committee will also begin and maintain monitoring on the lethal substance’s supply chain as well as its users in order to crack down on its activities.

He further stated that the committee would construct and enhance referral facilities for evidence-based therapies as well as undertake drug addiction studies in Anambra to ensure that the state is drug-free.

Okpala asked all state residents to work with the committee to properly rid the state of the drug issue by providing accurate information to track out addicts.

He said, “I urged us all to partner the government to become a drug-free state.”

(NAN)