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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has stated that it will collaborate with Re-Orientation Advocacy of Nigeria and other stakeholders to strengthen drug misuse prevention and treatment activities in Nigeria.
According to the ministry, the alliance would focus on those with substance use issues.
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said this during a partnership meeting with the RAN in Abuja.
Pate, who was represented by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Ms. Kachollom Daju, stated that the Ministry is ready to play a big role in addressing the issue of drug misuse.
The minister stated that this would be focused on the country's youth, women, and adolescents, by President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that many people were concerned about the increase in drug and substance addiction among young people and women in Nigeria's northern and southern regions.
He stated that RAN's intervention in the matter was timely and sacred.
Pate, who praised the efforts of relevant government and non-governmental groups trying to solve the concerns, insisted that all hands be on deck to get the situation under control.
Mr Charles Folayan, RAN Executive Director, praised the ministry for its support of stakeholders' engagement in drug prevention, treatment, and care in December 2023.
