The Kaduna State Human Capital Development Council has approved the state’s Mental Health Plan, designed to address the menace of mental health and substance abuse.
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 as well as drug addicts in the state.
He said that a recent study indicated 10.9 per cent prevalence rate of drug problems among residents of the state.
The director said that the Agency was working in collaboration with relevant 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 Defence Corps (NSCDC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to tackle both the demand and supply of drugs and substances.
“We established a clinic in our office premises to provide treatment and psychosocial support 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 cautioned residents of the state against drugs and substance abuse, particularly during Sallah celebration and beyond, due to its negative physically, psychological, and social effects.
He noted 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.
