A non-profit organization, Youth Initiative for Drug Research, Information, Support, and Education in Nigeria (YouthRISE Nigeria) has organised a sensitisation programme to enlighten youths on the dangers of a drug overdose and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
The sensitisation programme, according to the group was to address the misconception about drug users within the society and build their capacity in preventing and managing drug overdose within their community.
They were also sensitised on sexual reproductive health and rights, as well as how to access it at the host facility and in the primary health care facilities.
Speaking at the sensitisation workshop, Programme Officer, YouthRISE Nigeria, Philip Njang noted that the stigmatisation and discrimination against drug users, particularly women, is still rife despite measures to curb it.
This he noted is a barrier to accessing health care, safety, and legal services, which results in avoidable overdose-related deaths. He also stated that there is a need to promote the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women, particularly those who use drugs.
He went further to call for drug policy reform and the prioritization of harm reduction in Nigeria.
Participants were taught how to reduce drug-related risks and overdose management via resuscitation techniques and the administration of Naloxone (an overdose management medication, which is not yet widely available in the country).