NAFDAC Warns against Drug Abuse

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a crusade in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, taking its anti-drug abuse campaign to youths, market women and drivers with the aim to sensitise and enlighten the people on the dangers of inappropriate drug use.

Speaking at the event, the NAFDAC representative, Mrs. Christiana Obiazikwor asked them to shun drug abuse, noting that drug abuse was life threatening habit and a social menace.

According to her, the abuse of codeine containing cough syrup has become more worrisome because statistics have shown it is rampant among the youths advising them to desist from the act to avoid the negative effect.

While further describing its effects, she stated that an individual involved in drug abuse suffers a syndrome that predisposed victims to prefer drug use over food or other basic necessities of life, adding that victims of such abuse were deprived of nourishment and essential nutrients that should boost their immune systems, causing loss of immunity and retarded growth.

‘’They exhibit increased and uninhibited sexual behaviour, runs the risk of contacting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Including HIV infection and subsequent spread of AIDS. Uninhibited sexual behaviour may also result to unplanned parenthood with its attendant problems,” Obiazikwor said.

She expressed more worries that young people who abuse drugs record high level of absenteeism and often drop out of school in frustration. Adding that, ‘’they often end up as miscreants, societal burdens and bring utter disgrace to their families. Most of these youths are involved in avoidable accidents, which could lead to deformity or death.”

Obiazikwor advised drivers and other road users to desist from abusing drugs, noting that drug abuse can lead to over speeding, drowsiness, tendency to fidget, and accidents that may lead to loss of valuable life.

She noted that NAFDAC was established to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devises, chemical and water (including all drinks).