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RADA holds lecture on drug abuse

Jul 12, 2013, 11:01 AM | Article By: Abdou Rahman Sallah

Rehabilitation and Development Agency (RADA) The Gambiaat the weekend held a day lecture on substance abuse at Marina International School in Bakau and SBEC International School on the theme “Make Health your New High in Life”.

During her lectures, Dr Alili Afi, a lecturer at the UTG who doubles as the resource person for RADA, said that in The Gambia they have a responsibility to work to prevent drug misuse and are motivated to carry out that responsibility.

The lectures began with a pre-test for the students to gauge their understanding on the subject matter.

Drugs cause harmful effect on the mind and body, as well as creating long-term problem, which could make one feel very anxious and even paranoid when addicted.

Demba Baldeh, chairman of the organization, said the organization was established in 2009 to complement Government’s effort in the fight against perilous drug abuse, trafficking and peddling, which are affecting millions of young people worldwide.

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the world, though the number or people using it are falling.

In this regard it has horrific repercussions on the health and mental functions, such as attention of the memory which can be dangerous and it also increases the risk-taking behaviour.

Samuel Edonastic, founder and executive director of RADA, said that since the establishment of the organization there has been a series of activities including rehabilitation services to drug addicts.

“Currently we are embarking on enlightening programme for schoolchildren, which has started with Marina International and SBECT International School.

He said the use of illegal drugs by young people is a serious problem that should be considered.

Cannabis is a drug that should be eradicated in society, he concluded.