Health Secretariat intensifies anti-drug abuse awareness

By Stanley Onyekwere

As part of its proactive measures towards ensuring the wellbeing and safety of the populace, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken its anti-drug abuse awareness campaign to Karu Motor Park, in Abuja.
The campaign, which was organized by arm of FCTA is aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of indiscriminate use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM)
In her address during the campaign, the Mandate Secretary HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe who was represented by Director of Finance and Accounts HSES Mrs Joy Okeke said the initiative became necessary due to the widespread use of TCAM products by road users.
Fasawe noted that the use of TCAM products have made gradual come back world-wide into healthcare delivery because of the complementary roles it plays in the health sector of various countries and as such it is apt to educate people on the dangers in the misuse of these products.
According to her, the awareness campaign will enable the general public especially those who work in the motor parks to make informed decisions when opting for TCAM products and as well protect FCT residents from harmful effects of unstandardized products in the environment.
Also speaking, the Director, Pharmaceutical Servi (HSES) Pharmacist Boniface Ikwu, who was represented by Pharmacist Rahmatu Maude explained that HSES operates in line with efforts of FCTA to foster improved health of FCT residents through initiatives that educate people on the choice they make regarding their health.
Ikwu also urged the commercial drivers to pay rapt attention and adhere to precautionary measures, putting into practice what they are taught so as not to endanger the lives of passengers while driving as every journey is suppose to end in safety and not accident or death.
Similarly, Pharmacist Abdullahi A. Abdullahi, who delivered the campaign lecture informed commercial motor drivers on the dangers of taking local concoctions mixed as herbs/traditional medicine, in order to be agile in the course of driving especially when making distant trips.
Abdullahi cautioned the drivers to rest as much as they can before undertaking any journey rather than take substances to avoid sleeping. The adverse effects of TCAM products according to Abdullahi ranges from kidney failure, heart disease, fatigue and even death in severe cases.