Community awareness on the harmful effects of drugs

Muscat: As part of the efforts to spread community awareness on the harmful effects of narcotics and psychotropic substances, Salalah came first, Muttrah second and Rustaq won third place in the third edition of community competition that aims to reduce use of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, sponsored the ceremony in the presence of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti,the Minister of Health, and their excellencies, secretaries and governors, with the participation of several representatives of governmental and private institutions. At the Mövenpick Hotel in Muscat, the national campaign to combat narcotics and psychotropic substances in Muttrah titled the slogan “We join together” to indicate that unity and combined individual, institutional, and voluntary efforts is the best way to achieve awareness and change to anti-drugs and build a healthy and safe society.

 The campaign included public events and various awareness activities' that aim to educate society about drugs' risks and their negative effects and involve the community and those recovering from addiction.

Besides, organizing awareness seminars and workshops in schools, public councils, and mosques,and implementing training workshops to train cadres about drugs and smoking risks. Additionally, organizing mass events to community participation and those recovering, and supporting economic projects that provide job opportunities and sources of income for those recovering and their families.

The campaign included holding awareness exhibitions and awareness messages via multiple means. For example,a mobile awareness bus equipped with visual elements, explanatory explanations, and educational messages on screens in Muttrah Souq, which contributed to raise awareness of drugs' risk and avoid it.

Abdul Hamid Al Kharousi, Muttrah Deputy Wali and the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Project Team's head, said"Today we celebrate a major achievement achieved because of joint efforts and cooperation, which is Muttrah gain second position in the competition to combat narcotics and psychotropic substances.

This success was achieved by the grace of parties' combined efforts , from government institutions and individuals to local organizations,who worked to educate society about drugs' dangers and their negative impact on individuals and society. He indicated this achievement reflects awareness in our society to combat this scourge that threatens our youth's future,and emphasized that Muttrah has proven its ability to be a role model for cooperation,which enhances the safe and healthy environment that it achieves.

He added: "We ask Allah to grant us all success to continue these efforts, and to always remain to face challenges and build a strong and cohesive society able to face that threatens its stability and security".