The Department of Social Development (DSD) will today commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day at the Vezubuhle Community Hall, in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
According to the department, substance abuse is one of the main drivers of social ills such as the spread of HIV and Aids, school dropout, crime, violence as well as gender-based violence and femicide.
The department said this had a negative impact on society and led to the destruction of individuals, families and communities.
“KwaMhlanga and Thembisile Hani Municipality in Mpumalanga have been identified as hotspots where the abuse of substances such as nyaope is prevalent. It is for this reason that the DSD has taken a decision to commemorate and raise awareness of the harmful effects of substances, including overdoses, in this area,” the department said in a statement.
International Overdose Awareness Day is commemorated annually on 30 August.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this day is an opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives, acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind and to increase efforts to end avoidable overdose deaths.
As part of implementing the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) 2019-2024, the department will raise awareness on the importance of this day in collaboration with the Provincial Drug Forum, the Departments of Health, Correctional Services and Justice, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Treatment Centre, Recovering Service User and Parents.
“On the day, risks, behavioural patterns, and factors associated with overdose will be raised under this year’s theme: “Together we can”. This theme highlights the power and importance of communities to stand together in the fight against overdose as another form of substance abuse.
“International Overdose Awareness Day is one of the platforms the department uses to fight the stigma surrounding overdose fatalities. It emphasises that deaths resulting from drug overdoses are preventable,” the department said.
According to the World Drug Report (UNODC, 2021), approximately 275 million people used drugs in that year. It is estimated that deaths related to drug use increased by 45% over the last decade.
This increase is mainly attributed to drug overdose incidences and COVID-19 seems to have accelerated the trend of increasing overdose deaths.
The Department of Social Development leads the fight against substance abuse as mandated by the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008.
The provision of comprehensive programmes and interventions is in response to the scourge of substance abuse in the country. The department implements these programmes in collaboration with stakeholders who play an active role in the fight against substance abuse. – SAnews.gov.za
