The Kaduna State Human Capital Development Council has approved the state’s Mental Health Plan, designed to address the problem of mental health and substance abuse disorder in the state.
Dr Joseph Maigari, Director-General, Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA), made this known at a news conference in Kaduna on Thursday.
Maigari said that the plan articulates all the necessary measures needed to address mental health issues and substance abuse disorder among citizens and drug and substance abusers in the state.
He said that a recent survey revealed a prevalence of 10.9 per cent of drug problems among residents of the state.
He added that KADBUSA was working with relevant government agencies as well as non-governmental organisations to reduce the prevalence of drugs and substance abuse in the state.
According to him, the agency is working with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, to tackle both the demand and supply of drugs and substances.
“We have recently established a clinic in our office premises to provide treatment and psychosocial services to people with drug and substance abuse problems.
“We equally at the completion stage of the construction of four Rehabilitation Centres, one each at Ikara, Chikun, Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Plans have also been concluded to open additional centres in Zaria and Sanga LGAs with a view to increase access to treatment and rehabilitation services,” Maigari said.
The DG advised Kaduna residents against drugs and substance abuse, particularly during Sallah celebration and beyond, due to its negative physically, psychological, and social effect.
He argued that drug and substance abuse was at the centre of the protracted security challenges affecting the state and other parts of the country with negative consequences on the economy.
