Wokha, July 27 (EMN): In collaboration with the Zion Welfare Society Tihad, and Opiod Substitution Therapy (OST) at Sanis in Wokha, the Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) organized a programme educating the public against drug abuse, at Sanis sub-division on July 26 in Wokha district.
A press release from the organisers on Saturday informed about the event.
Khrievono Seletsu, secretary of the WDLSA, gave the keynote address. She said many lives have been lost due to ‘illegal movement’ and drugs abuse, the updates stated. She said that each person must contribute to tackling the problem of drugs, the updates stated quoting her.
Seyiekhrietuo Solo, extra assistant commissioner of Sanis also addressed the event. He said that the challenges being posed by the increasing drug abuse in a place like Sanis are increasing. The officier has emphasised on taking necessary steps to prevent and eradicate the menace, the updates stated.
Further, Dr. Eshenthung, nodal officer of the OST at Sanis addressed the gathering. The medical officer spoke about on the roles and benefits of OST. He said OST is an intervention program for opiod-dependent persons that replace illicit drug use with alternate, prescribed medicines. It enables users to reduce or cease using drugs, the gathering was told.
‘Many users fail to avail this benefit because of social stigma and discrimination,’ he said.
Bichow Patton of Zion Welfare Society spoke about harm the reduction strategy. He said it is a set of practical strategies that aims at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Currently, Zion Welfare Society is providing services to 453 registered users in Sanis area, the updates stated.
Renbonthung Tsanglao, a panel lawyer of the WDLSA highlighted various government welfare schemes that are available.
Shanchobeni P Lotha, project assistant of the WDLSA, spoke about the NALSA (Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace) Scheme 2015. She said that the scheme aims at creating awareness and disseminating awareness to the public about the ill effects of drug abuse. It aims at providing legal services, and coordinating with stakeholders in curbing the menace of drugs, she said.
One of the important highlight of the programme included signature campaign that urged people to say "no to drugs,” the press release stated.
Sanis O Point’s pastor Khodao Mozhui and Sanis Village Babtist Church’s pastor Nchumbemo Kithan attended the programme too, the updates stated.
