South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Governor of Central Equatoria State Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani on Thursday expressed deep concern over drug abuse amongst the youth in the State.
Gerald Francis, the State Acting Minister of Information and Communication said Governor Jadalla raised this issue while chairing a cabinet meeting in Juba.
“In his communication, he talked about the issue of drug abuse among our youth, which is on the rise in Juba City and in some other towns of our State,” Francis told journalists after the cabinet meeting.
The Governor said that drug and alcohol abuse is becoming an alarming issue in the state, adding the prevailing economic challenges have exacerbated situation.
“He (Jadalla) urged our citizens to take charge of their children and not allow the children to be misused, and not allow the children to behave as they want, and not allow the children to borrow some negative cultures that are not ours,” Francis said.
He called upon the community to work with the county and national governments to reduce the menace.
Francis said that these negative cultures are against threaten the very existence of the people of Central Equatoria State in particular and South Sudan in general.
In November 2023, a youth organization Generation 711 launched a campaign against alcoholism and drug abuse among young people.
The campaign held under the theme “Rescuing Our Nation’s Future” launched at the University of Juba, was supported by Plan International and Save the Children.
It seeks to educate youth on the dangers of substance abuse.
Drug and alcohol abuse is becoming an alarming issue in South Sudan.
Local brews, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and other inherent substances such as glue are among the most prevalent drugs.
The campaign seeks to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals who use drugs. It creates a platform for individuals to seek help without fear or marginalization.
