2026 INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE: ISSUP SOUTH EAST URGES MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND COMMUNITY ACTION
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE: ISSUP SOUTH EAST URGES MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND COMMUNITY ACTION
As the world commemorates the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, South East Chapter, has joined the global community in reaffirming its commitment to building a drug-free, healthier and safer South East region.
In a statement made available to the press, the South East Coordinator of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, Hon. Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, stated that this year’s theme, “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” as declared by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), underscores the need for governments, institutions, communities and families to recognize that preventing substance use through evidence-based interventions remains the most effective and sustainable strategy for safeguarding lives and securing the future of young people.
She noted that the South East continues to face the growing challenge of substance use, particularly among youths, adding that the abuse of tramadol, codeine, methamphetamine and other illicit substances has become a major public health concern with far-reaching consequences, including rising insecurity, school dropout, family disintegration, poor mental health and reduced economic productivity.
Hon. Nwagba further observed that professionals working in substance use prevention, treatment and recovery have consistently maintained that stigma, denial and silence only worsen the problem, stressing that the solution lies in science, compassion, collaboration and sustained community engagement.
She therefore called for urgent and coordinated actions, including greater investment in community-based prevention programmes by state governments, local government councils, schools, faith-based organizations and traditional institutions to equip children and young people with life skills and resilience against substance use.
The ISSUP South East Coordinator also advocated the strengthening of treatment and recovery services across the five South Eastern states through increased access to professional, affordable and non-stigmatizing care, noting that every individual struggling with substance use deserves hope, dignity and quality treatment.
She reaffirmed ISSUP Nigeria’s commitment to building the capacity of counsellors, healthcare professionals, teachers, social workers and law enforcement personnel through internationally recognized training programmes such as the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) and the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC).
Hon. Nwagba further emphasized that drug prevention is a shared responsibility, urging parents to begin early conversations with their children, schools to provide supportive learning environments, and communities to embrace and support individuals in recovery rather than reject or stigmatize them.
She commended ISSUP Nigeria and its various state chapters across the federation, particularly those in the South East, including Abia and Enugu States, for organizing activities to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, adding that their dedication continues to strengthen the collective response to substance use prevention.
She explained that ISSUP is a global network of professionals comprising counsellors, medical practitioners, researchers, educators, policymakers and community development experts, and reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to partner the South East Governors’ Forum, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Ministries of Health, civil society organizations, educational institutions and the media to translate evidence into meaningful action.
Hon. Nwagba urged governments, institutions, communities and individuals to renew their commitment to prevention, strengthen access to treatment and recovery services, and work collectively to protect society from the devastating effects of substance abuse. She maintained that investing in prevention, supporting recovery and promoting life remain the surest pathways to healthier and safer communities.
