RC pushes full rehab for drug users

MWANZA: MWANZA Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda has urged stakeholders in drug control and treatment to ensure victims fully abandon drug use and return to normal life.

The RC made the call yesterday during a working session with experts from drug control, health and community development departments, as well as operators of rehabilitation centres, held at the Regional Commissioner’s Office.

He said it is not desirable for victims to remain dependent on regular medication without a clear strategy to help them quit drug use permanently.

Mr Mtanda noted that some youths turn to drugs after losing hope in life, stressing that interventions should also focus on restoring hope, expanding access to education and promoting economic empowerment.

He cited Kilimahewa Street as one of the areas affected, saying that during a recent visit he met several young people struggling with drug use.

“When I spoke to them, I found that some had lost hope and resorted to drugs,” he said.

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Assistant Commissioner for the Lake Zone at the Drug Control and Prevention Authority, Mr Hosea Elias, said the authority provides education to both non-users and users to raise awareness on the dangers of drugs and encourage victims to quit.

He said joint efforts between the authority and Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital have started to yield results, with 217 victims successfully recovering.

Mr Elias added that 234 others are currently undergoing treatment at the centre, aimed at helping them abandon drug use and reintegrate into normal life.