ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Substance Abuse Prevention Division, in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs and Local Government will be embarking on a series of activities to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking tomorrow.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Substance Abuse Prevention Officer in the Substance Abuse Prevention Division Norma Jeffrey-Dorset said the department is continuing to lead the way with the development of activities to educate the public, specifically women and youth, about the negative ripple effects of substance abuse and drug trafficking.

To this end, a series of sensitisation programmes have been planned to commemorate the day on various media houses.

A joint message on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be issued by Minister of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs and Local Government Willmoth Daniel; and Senator Malaka Parker, parliamentary secretary in that ministry with responsibility for Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs and Local Government.

Other activities will include the sharing of experience by a special guest on the OBSERVER Radio’s Voice of the People, and other media appearances by the minister, the Parliamentary Secretary, the Substance Abuse Prevention Officer and other members of staff of the Substance Abuse Prevention Division.

The theme for this year’s observance of the day is health so focus will be placed on the health and social consequences of substance abuse.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Division will develop several Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to aid their prevention efforts.

Internationally, the day has been observed annually since 1988 on June 26.