On Friday 27 June 2026, was International Day against Drug abuse. This day is also known as Word Drug Day
This year’s theme: World drug
problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses, the United
Nations says this year’s campaign will showcase how the international
community, local and national governments, civil society and the public work
together on innovative responses to reduce demand for and supply of illicit
drugs and thus mitigate threats by:
- Launching new prevention efforts to reduce
and address vulnerabilities in people, especially youth, and communities,
lowering their risk of exploitation by criminal networks;
- Keeping ports, airports, sea routes and
land borders along key trafficking routes safe;
- Collecting and analysing data to shape
drug policies;
- Detecting and identifying drugs and the
chemicals used in their illicit manufacture;
- Understanding the chemicals used in the
illicit manufacture of drugs, and handling and disposing of them safely;
- Supporting responses across the criminal
justice system, from interception to investigation and prosecution;
- Creating opportunities for farmers to
shift from illicit drug crop cultivation to sustainable licit livelihoods;
- Putting new substances under international control to respond to emerging drug threats.
On the other hand, the City of Cape Town said the demand for its
substance abuse prevention programmes is on the rise.
The City reports that more than 5,000 learners have
taken part in its prevention programmes over the past nine months.
City of Cape Town’s MMC for Community Services and
Health, Francine Higham, says substance abuse remains closely linked to high
levels of crime in Cape Town.
“We cannot ignore the direct link between substance
abuse and the violence in crime which plagues our communities. That is why
prevention programmes like this are so important. They do more than educate
young people about the dangers of substance use. They also address issues like
bullying, peer pressure, self-worth and making good decisions,” said Higham.
According to the South African government, the world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
Therefore the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)recognises the importance of taking a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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