Pubdate: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 Source: This Day (Nigeria) Copyright: 2003 This Day. Contact: http://www.thisdayonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2870 UNODC DONATES REHABILITATION MATERIALS FOR DRUG ADDICTS Lagos -- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has begun distribution of materials for the training and rehabilitation of drug addicts in Nigeria. UNODC, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has already identified 14 treatment and rehabilitation centres that will benefit from the scheme. Speaking at a presentation ceremony at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, recently, UNODC representative in Nigeria, Mr. Paul Salay, said a major objective of the UNODC intervention was to accelerate the social reintegration of the former drug addicts to ensure that they contribute positively to their families and communities. In Salay's words: "The main objective of the project is to increase awareness about the treatment and rehabilitation of facilities available to persons with drug related problems and also strengthen the facilities through the supply of equipment and training of the care providers. "This donation of equipment takes place in the context of a major project aimed at building the capacity of treatment and rehabilitation centres located in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, to empower drug addicts with skills,which will enable them achieve economic independence through income-generating activities. "The project is therefore contributing to the reduction of poverty in the selected areas, poverty remains the root cause for several deviant behaviours, such as drug abuse and crime, which are increasingly becoming major obstacles to development." Some of the equipment donated include weaving and footmat making frames, sewing and hairdressing materials as well as hospital beds and mattresses', among others. Also speaking at the ceremony, the medical director of the hospital, Dr. G.T. Suleiman, regretted that the age group of 10-29 years remain the most vulnerable to drug abuse in the country. According to him: "There is increasing use of organic solvents (adhesives and flue) by street children, especially in urban cities. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman