UNODC promotes “Share facts on drugs. Save lives” theme among children and adolescents within awareness raising campaign devoted to the World Drug Day

This year’s theme is “Share facts on drugs. Save lives” which is aimed at combating false information and spreading knowledge about drugs, risks associated with drug use and its harm to health. The awareness raising campaign organized jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan with the support of USAID Enriching Youth for Tomorrow Project, implemented in Turkmenistan by JA Worldwide and NGO “Keyik Okara” took place in the Children recreation camp in Gokdere place near Ashgabat.

Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, Officer in Charge of UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan called everybody to follow the 2021 World Drug Day theme, noting that

“UNODC invites everyone to contribute by taking a firm stand against disinformation and unreliable sources, while pledging to share only real science-based data on drugs and saving lives”.

Talking about the danger of drug use, Mr. Shohrat Abdullayev, Chief Narcologist of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, mentioned that

“harmful habits are also considered to be a major condition for emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders and other non-infectious diseases, diseases of cardiovascular system, cirrhosis, different types of oncological sicknesses including the HIV, tuberculosis and chronic lung disease.” Advocating countering drug abuse, Mr. Batyr Berkeliyev, Officer of the Central Apparatus of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in his speech noted that “preventing and eradicating drug-related scourge is essential in ensuring the wellbeing of our people.”

During the raising awareness campaign among the youth, a quiz on the harm of drug use, importance of giving up addictions and a healthy lifestyle was conducted. Children and adolescents took part in a painting contest, devoted to the World Drug Day theme “Share facts on drugs. Save lives” and healthy lifestyle. The images reflected children’s perception of the subject, focusing on physical activity and overcoming addictions. The winners of both contests were awarded with memorable prizes promoting healthy lifestyle.