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Kinyarwanda
The Ministry of Health in partnership with Rwanda National Police (RNP) and other entities launched a campaign against drug abuse on Thursday, June 8, in Nyarugenge District, to raise awareness on comprehensive healthcare and drug prevention among the young people.
The campaign is held under the theme: “love yourself, drugs will only destroy your life" and it seeks to educate the youth on the dangers of substance abuse. The campaign held at Club Rafiki attracted thousands of students from different schools.
Dr. Yvan Butera, the State Minister in the Ministry of Health urged the youth to say no to drugs to achieve their dreams.
“You are young, full of life, with many dreams and potential. You have what you wish to achieve in your life and for that to happen you must avoid substance use.
The country needs you, you are the future leaders and doctors. You cannot be all of that when you are abusing drugs. There are many health effects associated with using drugs. Protect your lives by refraining from drugs and alcohol abuse,” Dr. Burera said.
Since July last year, 237 cases of drug trafficking and abuse were registered in Nyarugenge District alone. At least 230 cases were referred to courts, according to prosecution, and 55.4% of people involved are the youth.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo, Commissioner for Community Policing in RNP, asked the youth to contribute to fighting drugs by sharing information about dealers.
He said: “Beside serious health repercussions, narcotic drugs are one of major factors fueling domestic conflicts, gender violence and other illegal activities involving the young people. It is not only for the Police to fight them, you can contribute too by sharing information so that those who supply drugs are arrested to face justice.”
CP Munyambo urged school authorities to establish anti-drugs clubs for students to be aware of dangers of substance use.
“Youth should be educated and aware of drug abuse consequences; anti-drugs clubs in schools can contribute to that education and enhance the awareness.”
Papias Hategekimana, a former drug addict, shared his story and how he overcame the addiction.
“I started abusing drugs at age of 13, by the time I turned 19, I was an addict and I was taken to the rehabilitation center. It was not a smooth path but I made it through and I have not used any substance since that time.
There is no single benefit in using drugs rather than ruining your life,” Hategekimana said.
Hategekimana is now a professional tailor, who inspires those using drugs that it is possible to stop or overcome the addiction and build a life of hope and a better future.
