Urgent Call to Combat Substance Abuse Crisis Threatening Rwanda’s Youth

Elias Hakizimana May 14, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

As at least 5,000 individuals are admitted to healthcare facilities annually due to substance abuse, the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) is urging young individuals to steer clear of drug use, emphasizing the detrimental impact on health.

Additionally, around 6,460 individuals require treatment in rehabilitation centers, reflecting the severity of the issue.

This call for sobriety and awareness was reiterated on May 13, 2024, in Kicukiro District during the launch of a comprehensive anti-drug campaign.

During this campaign, a youth who has grappled with drug addiction shared his experience and urged peers to abstain, highlighting the negative consequences such as sadness, impoverishment, and legal repercussions.

The campaign has been sponsored by Abbott and Strive Foundation Rwanda.

“Many times, substance use leads to contemplation of existential questions; however, instead of finding answers, it perpetuates the cycle of turmoil.” He shared.

These youths attribute their drug use to underlying issues such as personal crises or family conflicts, emphasizing the need for holistic support and intervention strategies.

Darius Gishoma, the Mental Health Division Manager at the Rwanda Biomedical Center, echoed the importance of abstinence, emphasizing its role in preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.

*Darius Gishoma, the Mental Health Division Manager at the Rwanda Biomedical Center, emphasized the critical role of early intervention and education in addressing mental health challenges among youth.*

“Our initial message is to abstain because substance abuse not only harms the body and instills dependency but also fosters poor decision-making, leading to a downward spiral that derails aspirations.” Buhura said.

Buhura Ntukanyagwe Valence, Senior State Attorney, Government Legal Advisor, and Vice president of the Inter-ministerial Committee for the Fight Against Drug Abuse in the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST) differentiated between providing drugs and homicide, emphasizing the severity of the drug addiction epidemic among youth.

He emphasized the role of education in prevention, stating, “The epidemic of drug addiction among youth is more severe than commonly perceived. Education serves as a preventive measure, dismantling the allure of substance abuse.”

Local rehabilitation centers report approximately 6,460 individuals undergoing sanctions due to drug-related offenses, with around 4,000 cases brought to judicial attention.

Each year sees approximately 5,000 individuals seeking medical intervention for ailments stemming from substance abuse.

These individuals seek support from specialized facilities, including addiction treatment centers and model hospitals, with ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing substance abuse issues effectively.

Specialized facilities like Ndera Hospital, Icyizere, Isange Rehabilitation Center in Huye, Kigali Mental Health Referral Center, Nyamagabe Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), and the Model Center in Kinyinya are actively involved in these efforts.