America Based Nigerian Medical Doctor Advocate for Data on Drug Abuse in Nigeria.

A Nigerian medical doctor based in the United States of America Dr. Nelson Aluya has said that data is essential and must be accessible if for Nigeria to make progress on the fight against drug abuse, drug use disorder and and mental heath.

Speaking via a virtual platform on the 26th of June, 2023 as part of activities to mark 2023 World Drug Day in Nigeria. The conference which was organised by the Re-Orientation Advocacy of Nigeria (RAN) was co-anchored by the Executive Director Charles Olufemi Folayan and Director General Princess Ann Ehigiator in preparation for the flag-off of the drug prevention, treatment and care programme across Nigeria.

Dr. Aluya who is a Professor of Medicine at the New Jersey Medical School and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Newark Community Health Center Inc. A Federal Health Qualified Center, Newark, New Jersey maintained that data is the first thing to solving any challenge.

He said, Nigerians in the diaspora are working to support RAN to carry out a national research on drug abuse especially the root causes and come up with a blue print on strategy to stem drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.

Aluya also called on the Government to build a template for fighting drug abuse which would be a leading way forward for the entire African countries.

In his earlier publication tagged "Nigeria: Drug Addiction. An Epidemic of denial" Dr. Aluya wrote that drug addiction and overdose has become a global socio-political problem with severe economic implication as well. It is also fast becoming a topic at dinner tables in most enlightened homes especially in the developed world as well as of parents in developing countries begining to pay close attention.

It is a noteworthy fact that illicit drug trafficking, use and addiction constitute a significant share of the global burden of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C especially with those who are intravenous drug users.There is also a strong causal association of drug trafficking,drug addiction and increasing trends of violent crimes and now even terrorism..

is imperative that the global problematic drug epidemic like diabetes should be recognized in all countries of African continent as well and primarily in Nigeria as an epidemic and a national emergency. It is a plague that is yet in its early stages in our soeciety that even most advanced nations of the world are still grappling with but have hardly make any decent impact in its control despite their huge resources and time spent on enforcement, awareness and rehabilitation.

Regrettably most developing countries and especially of those of predominantly black nations stil take a lukewarm approach to the clear and present dangers of illict drug in their home, schools, place of work either because of the societal stigma or out or perilous ignorance, they are refusing to allow it to come to the national consciousness. Majority of its people may yet consider it a private matter that needs to be addressed and dealt with privately or presumptuously amongst the elite.They are neglecting the now pervasive and permeating fact that the very bright seemingly naive girl or boy next door in local high school or college has access to and are using drugs.

It is a particularly disturbing fact is that the Nigeria which most populous black nation on earth and the number one economy in Africa yet to initiate a clesr dirction and enforcement of its national policy or declaration on illicit drug use and overdose.

Nigeria has a pivotal role to play and should get ahead of the curve to champion this cause for Africa and other black nations to emulate. Africa with a population of 1.216 billion has the fastest growing and youngest population in the world with over 200 million of them between age 15 and 24 (the youth bracket).The current trend indicates that this figure will double by 2045, according to the 2012 African Economic Outlook report prepared by experts from the African Development Bank (AfDB).The top 30 countries with the youngest population in African are Nigeria's two immediate neighbours in its north. Niger and Chad rank first and third respectively with 56.9 % and 54.6 % of its population reported as being under 18 with Nigeria on number sixteen on the list with 50.4%.

It is expedient that Nigeria with an estimated 190 million people projected to be the third most populated nation on earth by the year 2050 have a reflective assessment of its drug problem and to take successful cues from other countries to formulate as wellnas enforce policies that are socially,culturally acceptable and sustainable bearing in mind Nigerian's diverse ethnic and religious inclinations.

There has to be an associative coming together of all stakeholders involved with representatives from all levels of the government, religious leaders, traditional rulers, professional organizations and societies, the economic, social, media policy advocates as well as non-governmental bodies and student body representatives to begin the discussion. It is paramount understand the need for research and development to collect data on the types of drugs, sources and suppliers of these drugs, the demographics of users and those inclined to and are at risk to drug use and addictions.A well-collected data and analysis would serve as the basis for effective resource allocation for efficient crisis management and productive results.

Nigeria needs to take a cue from other nations to formulate policies that are socially acceptable culturally acceptable, easily implemented and sustainable to its national character. The solution to this social menace should begin with, a reckoning and individual responsibility for health concerns.. The discussion should begin at dinner tables. Parents should become more vigilant in the behaviours of their teenage children. It is particularly of importance to involve the school systems, religious and traditional leaders as well as all other stakeholders.

All segments of the government irrespective of political persuasions or bias would have to work to develop a national curriculum as early as at the elementary school level up to the tiatiary level about the ills of illicit drug abuse. Develop screening protocols for all healthcare

Vvv

Lol

Go to Chicago street and first conduct your data there