Kano State Government has sensitised youths on mental health and substance abuse.
At the event organized by the office of the special adviser on health matters, held in Kano, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said his administration has initiated policies aimed at curtailing the menace of substance abuse.
He said the state has provided counseling and treatment centers for drug addicts, in addition to establishment of female anti-drug ambassadors committee, who collaborate with CBOs and NGOs, to raise awareness on mental health and substance abuse.
The Governor who said mental health and substance abuse are major societal problems bedeviling nations, emphasized the need for more efforts.
In her opening remarks, the First Lady, Professor Hafsat Ganduje represented by the state commissioner for higher education, Dr Mariya Bunkure pointed out that, the state female anti-drug ambassadors and mental health committees, were working assiduously through media engagements, to create awareness on the disease.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Fauziyya Buba said mental health issues affects individuals irrespective of age, gender where youths are the most vulnerable.
”Research indicates that mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression, if not treated may lead to severe consequences, such as suicide, substance abuse and social isolation,” she said.
In their papers entitled, understanding mental health problems and understanding mental health and illnesses, Dr. Bashir Bala and Dr. Fatima Bala said mental health as a neglected part of health problems.
They charged parents and guardians to desist from stigmatizing those engaged in substance abuse. (RN)
