In the fight against drug abuse, the Nigerian government on Tuesday, launched a Needle Syringe Program Guidelines and the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
This is a fallout from a survey that revealed that about 14.3 million Nigerians are struggling with substance abuse that include heroin, opioids and cocaine.
Director of Hospital Services Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Salaudeen Jimoh, while engaging with the press at the launch in Abuja, said the gravity of drug use in Nigeria, prompted the government to introduce a harm reduction approach that include Naloxone Program, with the objective of reversing opioid overdose, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and Needle Syringe Program.
Representing the Minister, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, Mr. Jimoh said the President had signed the National Drug Control Master Plan, crucial to addressing the problem of drug abuse, with the Ministry of Health carrying out a harm reduction strategy.
While revealing concerns on the dangers of illicit drug use that comes with the risk of trauma, overdose, and sudden death, he highlighted the challenges of addiction, particularly with opioids, and the need for medication-assisted treatment.
“To combat the issue (substance abuse), the Ministry has developed a policy document on medication-assisted treatment, which includes the use of methadone and buprenorphine. These medications will be provided free of charge, thanks to support from partners, and will initially be available in Gombe State, he said.
Mr. Jimoh also spoke of the pivotal role of collaboration amongst relevant stakeholders that include healthcare providers, government agencies, and law enforcement bodies to see that the objective of the programme is met.
He further said it’s unwise to stigmatize drug users but, encourage them to open up and seek treatment. “With the right support, they can recover and become productive members of the society”, he said.
He admitted that the initiative got support from international partners, with the provision of technical assistance and funding for the programme.
Gombe is the pioneering state where the programme will commence, with other states to be included to spread the initiative across the country.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Abu Dahiru, said the state government led by Inuwa Yahaya will provide infrastructural support for recovering drug users.
He said the use of substance cuts across all areas in the country, not just on the streets, which accounts for its increase rate and alarming consequences on the environment.
“We thought drug use was limited to out-of-school youth, but now, we see it cuts across all classes—including professionals and even VIPs. We believe that rehabilitating these individuals will not only improve their lives but, benefit the economy and the society as a whole”, the Gombe State Commissioner said.