By Farouk Isa Musa
As part of activities marking its third anniversary, the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) on Wednesday organized a public lecture on the menace of drug abuse, bringing together experts, government officials, religious leaders and stakeholders to address one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting society.
The lecture, held at the Agency's headquarters in Kano, was chaired by the Head of the Kano State Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota,, applauding the Kano State government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for transforming the health sector.
"First and foremost, I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people of Kano State. Over the past three years, this administration has demonstrated remarkable dedication to strengthening our healthcare system, improving access to quality medicines, enhancing health infrastructure, and implementing policies that promote the welfare of our citizens."
She decried the prevalence of drug abuse as one of the greatest societal evils threatening the well-being of communities, particularly young people, stressing that tackling the challenge requires sustained public enlightenment and collective action.
"Today, we have gathered to deliberate on an issue that affects every family, every community, and indeed the future of our dear State: - The growing menace of drug abuse. The drug abuse has become one of the most pressing public health and social challenges of our time. Its consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, educational institutions, workplaces, and the overall socio-economic development of our society."
Bilkisu Maimota further observed thatt the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government agencies alone. It requires collective responsibility involving families, religious leaders, traditional institutions, schools, healthcare professionals, security agencies, civil society organizations, and every well-meaning citizen. Prevention through education, early intervention, effective regulation, rehabilitation, and sustained community engagement remains the most effective strategy.
She also stressed that she was "particularly delighted that today's lecture brings together distinguished experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the psychiatric medical profession, and the Islamic scholarly community. Their wealth of experience and diverse perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the causes, consequences, prevention, and management of drug abuse."
The Head of Civil Service then urged participants, particularly young people, to carefully reflect on the presentations delivered during the lecture and become advocates against drug abuse in their homes, schools and communities.
"I encourage all participants to listen attentively, engage actively during the discussions, and take-home practical lessons that will enable us to become advocates against drug abuse within our various communities. Together, we can protect our young people, strengthen our families, and build a healthier, safer, and more productive Kano State," Maimota added.
She finally commended the DMCSA for organizing the lecture and for the remarkable achievements it recorded over the past three years, noting that its contributions have significantly strengthened access to quality and affordable medicines across Kano State.
"Let me commend the Management and staff of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency for organizing this timely public lecture. Beyond ensuring the availability of safe, quality, and affordable medicines and medical consumables, the Agency has demonstrated its commitment to promoting public health through advocacy and community education.
"As we celebrate the achievements of this administration, let us also renew our collective commitment to building a society where our youth are empowered with hope, guided by sound values, and protected from the devastating effects of substance abuse," she concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, said the lecture formed part of the Agency's week-long activities commemorating three years of impactful service under the administration of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He explained that while the Agency has made significant progress in ensuring the supply of quality, safe and affordable drugs to public health facilities across the state, addressing the misuse and abuse of medicines remains equally important in safeguarding public health.
"Our anniversary is not only a time to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to give back to society through initiatives that improve public health awareness. Ensuring access to quality medicines is only meaningful when those medicines are used responsibly and safely," Pharm. Gali Sule stated.
The Director General reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to supporting government policies aimed at protecting citizens from counterfeit medicines, drug misuse and substance abuse through strategic partnerships, advocacy and continuous stakeholder engagement..
"The fight against drug abuse cannot be left to enforcement agencies alone. It requires collaboration among health institutions, regulatory agencies, religious leaders, educational institutions, parents and community leaders. DMCSA will continue to support every effort that promotes responsible medicine use and protects the health of our people," he added.
The lecture featured presentations by distinguished resource persons drawn from key institutions.
The State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Alhaji Kasim Ibrahim, delivered the first paper titled "Enlightening the Public on the Use of Substandard and Falsified Medicines," highlighting the dangers posed by counterfeit and fake medicines and the importance of purchasing drugs only from approved sources.
The second presentation, "The Menace of Drug Abuse in Society, Especially Among Youths," was delivered by Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Zubair *(......last name here)* representing the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who emphasized preventive strategies and community involvement in combating substance abuse.
Dr. Aminu Shehu of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dawanau, presented the third paper on "The Dangers of Drug Abuse on the Mental and Physical Health of Society," where he examined the devastating health consequences of substance abuse and underscored the need for early intervention and treatment.
The final presentation was delivered by Sheikh Nura Adam Galadanchi of Jama'atul Tajdidul Islam on "The Menace of Drug Abuse from an Islamic Perspective," stressing the role of religious teachings, moral values and family guidance in preventing drug abuse and promoting healthy living.
The anniversary lecture formed part of DMCSA's broader efforts to commemorate three years of reforms and achievements in strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain while promoting public awareness on issues critical to the health and well-being of the people of Kano State.
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