The 26th of June marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day. Celebrated since 1987, the UN is reminded of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. On this year’s World Drug Day, UNODC sought to bring attention to and address drug-related challenges stemming from crises situations. With the recent humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Ukraine and elsewhere, amid a major global health crisis, the need to care for all in times of crisis remains a pressing concern. In particular, people facing difficult humanitarian situations require support and attention catered to their settings. For more information on World Drug Day, please follow this link.
We want to thank non-governmental organisations and partners who have worked towards a better future through drug and health promotion activities. This week, we highlight activities from DAPC grantees of the UNODC Youth Initiative, and how they’ve endeavoured to spread awareness and advocate for drug use prevention in their communities in the spirit of this International day.
Let's take a look at activities from Malawi, where the Youth Coalition for the Consolidation of Democracy raised awareness and provided prevention messages to the public through a roadshow and townhall meeting. Youth gathered to discuss drug use prevention and their experiences through interactive activities (poems, dramas, dances, etc). Also from the African continent, the Development & Integrity Intervention Goal Foundation in Nigeria also had their fair share of community outreach to share knowledge on prevention. Through a live interactive radio programme, they made a call for a drug free society, in particular amongst the growing population of youth.
Next, let’s take a stride over to South Asia, where a week-long awareness raising campaign reached over 1,000 people in India. YFC Rurka Kalan brought together children and youth through events such as rallies and street plays to increase awareness among as many participants as possible. In Pakistan, the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation organized an interactive event for underprivileged students from local schools to be engaged in physical and creative activities based on the main messages of Drug Awareness, Environments, Sports, Art & Culture and Civic Sense. Digital platforms were also utilized to further promote World Drug Day. The Turkish Green Crescent Society created and disseminated advocacy messages through social media, and the Center of Albanian Development created a video to raise awareness.
Significant efforts have been made on the occasion of this year’s World Drug Day, and we appreciate community efforts from DAPC grantees that are striving to help, inspire and support young people for a better community and a better future. Together we are always stronger.
#CareInCrisis
