President Dr Mohamed Waheed has called for innovative ideas to improve the country’s education policy and youth policy, with regard to the national drug use survey.
Speaking at the launching of the final report of the national drug use survey last evening, the President noted the alarmingly high number of drug users in the Maldives between the ages of 15-64 years, and the high number of school children who have fallen victim to illegal drug use.
Highlighting that according to the report, male drug users were significantly more than female drug users, the President stressed the importance of collecting complete and factual information in order to combat the country’s drug problem.
In his speech, President Waheed noted that the report clearly shows that the rehabilitation services currently available in the Maldives was not even close to what is required. He, therefore, called upon all stakeholders to thoroughly research the report, and revise the drug control policies of the country and strengthen the mechanisms.
He also said that it was essential to compile a national drug control action plan with new strategies.
The President further appealed to everyone to put in the effort to eliminate the use of illegal drug use and to make the Maldives drug-free.
