Report of June 26 celebration by ISSUP Afghanistan
CHATAR member organizations are celebrating June 26 every year. This is an important reminder of the General Assembly of the United Nations decision in 1987 to remark June 26 as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This was part of the long-term goal to help them achieve their goal of a drug-free society, since 1988, it has been held every year on June 26 all over the world. Afghanistan is one of the counties mostly affected by the consequences of illicit drug use and trafficking and we as CHATAR and ISSUP Afghanistan National Chapter are committed to spread this message and promote awareness in this day.
The day’s theme announced by the UN Office and Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which serves as the focus of global events and discussions, have been translated to local languages and layman terms.
This event was hosted by the ISSUP Afghanistan National Chapter arranged at WADAN treatment center in Nangarhar province in the eastern part of Afghanistan, one of the most affected regions in the country from drug use. The event started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran followed by a welcoming speech by Dr. Nooria Rahmani, one of the ISSUP Afghanistan national chapter members and an experienced professional in drug treatment. She talked about the importance of the prevention and how early intervention can change the direction of drug problems to a less severe type. Dr. Najibullah Shirzad, a national trainer and treatment center coordinator also delivered a speech on June 26 related topic. Following that, Dr Shafiqullah Sharifi the coordinator of ISSUP Afghanistan national chapter had a detailed speech concerning this year’s slogan “THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR—INVEST IN PREVENTION”. He explained how every daily activities bring a new opportunity for change. He discussed the factors causing people to start drug use and how the socio-economic situation put people at a higher risk of hazardous drug use.
He reiterated his organisation vision that "We hope that one day Afghanistan will be free from drug use."
Meanwhile, the ISSUP Afghanistan National Chapter coordinator attended a radio panel discussion with “Keleed Radio”, to talk about drug use prevention as well as awareness of drug treatment services in the country with other panel members from WHO, UNODC Afghanistan offices Mr. Sharifi represented ISSUP Afghanistan National Chapter and talked about the different core points. The roles of families in the healthy growth of children and drug use prevention was one of the themes he discussed and shared his thoughts, furthermore, advocacy and role of communities, youth, and others in the prevention of drug use were also debated in this radio program.
Dr Shafiqullah Sharifi, the coordinator of ISSUP Afghanistan national Chapter also attended a media discussion panel in Kabul
Dr Sharifi also participatied in a national gathering in this regard where numerous national and international NGOs, as well as the Ministry of Public Health WHO, and UNODC Afghanistan offices had participation.
The ISSUP National Coordinator Dr Sharifi was the leading speaker on behalf of the ISSUP Afghanistan National chapter in this gathering and emphasized the importance of having a shared purpose and how coordination among different stakeholders can help more people get services. Dr Sharifi asked the representatives of international NGOs to expand their support and work close with national organizations involved in treatment of women and girls with addiction issues. He also elaborated on this year’s June 26 slogan which carries a specific meaning and that it should not only be accepted as a phrase but the significance need to be embodied in action.
He quoted the famous concept of every single dollar spent on prevention save ten dollars if we go with treatment. He added that drug prevention is a shared responsibility of not only those who are involved in the drug prevention, but an issue of national duty.