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MEDICINS San Frontiers (MSF) has urged parents and teachers to be more vigilant in checking their children’s behaviour.
The call was made by MSF mental health specialist, Regina Magore, during the belated International Day Against Drug Abuse commemorations held in Mbare yesterday.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of these children because early detection and prevention is more fruitful.
“The rate of mental health consultations in Mbare is very alarming and, at least, 40 percent of them are substance abuse related.
“So, we are calling everyone to come on board to fight drug and substance abuse,” Magore said.
She urged teenagers, who attended the event, to abstain from taking drugs as it affects their mental health.
“Mbanje, for example, disturbs brain cells which do not regenerate like other cells which will then cause mental health issues,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to invest more in prevention as rehabilitation and therapy was quite expensive.
“These patients are ending up in psychiatric units which house mental health patients with severe conditions,” Magore said.
She also mentioned that, at least, US$3000 is needed in private rehab centres for the first six weeks for drug and substance abuse patients.
In her presentation, Magore said the organisation had also noted with concern an increase of sexual health related issues, which have been triggered also by drug and substance abuse.
“When these young people take these drugs, they end up indulging in unprotected sex which is leading to a rise in STI cases in the area as well as unattended pregnancies,” she said.
She said it has been noted that a lot of teenagers in the Mbare community have abandoned school.
Another parent, who is also a teacher, urged parents and school authorities to work closely in the fight against issues that affect their children.
“Parents should communicate with school authorities of any drug peddlers who may be supplying drugs to school children.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter