National Drug Agency Launches Inaugural Anti-Drug Expo in Hulhumale’
Photo: Presidents Office
The National Drug Agency launched its inaugural anti-drug expo, “Aharumennaaeku,” in the Ruhgandu One area of Hulhumale’ yesterday.
Today, Vice President @faisalnasym attended the ‘Aharumennaaeku Expo’ organised by @nda_mv and key stakeholders. The expo aimed to promote dialogue, raise awareness, and disseminate information on substance abuse. The event featured panel discussions and informational booths. pic.twitter.com/LrN2SbNKRc
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) August 25, 2023advertisement
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The primary aim of the event is to shed light on the ongoing drug epidemic and heighten awareness amongst the public.
The expo, a collaborative effort between the National Drug Agency, international bodies, and local Maldivian agencies, marks a monumental stride in confronting the challenge head-on.
Some clicks from yesterday’s “Aharumennaaeku” Expo. 📸 pic.twitter.com/sxND7ABKbz— Drug Court (@MVDrugCourt) August 26, 2023
Vice President Faisal Naseem inaugurated the event, highlighting the urgent need to address the growing concern of drug abuse in the Maldives.
During his speech at the expo’s opening, the VP stressed the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to tackle the drug problem.
He emphasised that the involvement of the community and a shift in attitude towards affected individuals are key elements in resolving this challenge.
The VP acknowledged that the impact of drugs has touched the lives of numerous families in Maldives. He highlighted the necessity for close cooperation between relevant agencies and the community to effectively combat the issue. He emphasised that the future trajectory of Maldives significantly relies on the well-being and choices of its youth.
Addressing the complexity of the problem, the VP highlighted that a holistic strategy is imperative.
Beyond prevention, detoxification, and rehabilitation efforts, he stressed the importance of fostering understanding and acceptance within the community.
Imad Salih, the CEO of the National Drug Agency, outlined the key objective of the expo as a means to enhance public awareness from a health-oriented perspective. The event aims to elucidate the significance of both institutional and communal support in combating the drug crisis.
Imad expressed that this inaugural expo marks the beginning of an annual tradition and that plans are in place to host the event in densely populated islands of the atolls and areas where the NDA maintains its branches.
