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The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has organized a public lecture on drug abuse as part of activities commemorating the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, bringing together government officials, healthcare experts, regulatory agencies, religious leaders and stakeholders to strengthen public awareness on substance abuse and promote responsible medicine use across Kano State.
KANO — The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has organized a public lecture on drug abuse as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirming its commitment to promoting responsible medicine use and improving public health across Kano State.
The event, held on Wednesday, 15th of July at the Agency's headquarters in Kano, brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting society.
Health Sector Reforms Receive Commendation
Chairing the lecture, the Head of the Kano State Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration for what she described as remarkable achievements in the health sector over the past three years.
"Over the past three years, this administration has demonstrated remarkable dedication to strengthening our healthcare system, improving access to quality medicines, enhancing health infrastructure, and implementing policies that promote the welfare of our citizens."
Maimota described drug abuse as one of the greatest public health and social challenges facing society, particularly among young people, noting that its consequences extend beyond individuals to families, communities, educational institutions, workplaces and the state's socio-economic development.
She stressed that combating the menace requires sustained public enlightenment, early intervention, effective regulation, rehabilitation programmes and the collective efforts of families, religious and traditional leaders, schools, healthcare professionals, security agencies, civil society organisations and community members.
"The fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government agencies alone. Prevention through education, early intervention, effective regulation, rehabilitation and sustained community engagement remains the most effective strategy."
She further noted that the participation of experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), psychiatric medical professionals and the Islamic scholarly community would provide valuable insights into the causes, consequences, prevention and management of drug abuse.
Urging participants to become ambassadors against substance abuse, Maimota encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained during the lecture in their homes, schools and communities.
"Together, we can protect our young people, strengthen our families, and build a healthier, safer, and more productive Kano State."
She also commended DMCSA for organizing the lecture, describing it as another demonstration of the Agency's commitment to complementing government efforts through public health advocacy and community education.
DMCSA Reaffirms Commitment to Public Health
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, explained that the lecture formed part of the Agency's activities commemorating the third anniversary of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration.
He stated that while DMCSA has recorded significant progress under the current administration in strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain and ensuring the availability of quality, safe and affordable medicines in public health facilities across Kano State, promoting the responsible use of medicines remains equally important in safeguarding public health.
"Ensuring access to quality medicines is only meaningful when those medicines are used responsibly and safely."
Pharm. Sule reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to supporting government policies aimed at protecting citizens from counterfeit medicines, drug misuse and substance abuse through advocacy, strategic partnerships and continuous stakeholder engagement.
"The fight against drug abuse cannot be left to enforcement agencies alone. It requires collaboration among health institutions, regulatory agencies, religious leaders, educational institutions, parents and community leaders. DMCSA will continue to support every effort that promotes responsible medicine use and protects the health of our people."
Experts Advocate Collective Action Against Drug Abuse
The lecture featured presentations by distinguished resource persons from key regulatory, healthcare, security and religious institutions.
The Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Alhaji Kasim Ibrahim, delivered a presentation on the dangers of substandard and falsified medicines, warning against counterfeit drugs and encouraging the public to obtain medicines only from licensed and approved sources.
Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Zubair Rabiu, representing the Kano State Command of the NDLEA, presented a paper on the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, emphasizing prevention, public enlightenment and community participation.
Dr. Aminu Shehu of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dawanau, examined the mental and physical health consequences of substance abuse and called for early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Sheikh Nura Adam Galadanchi of Jama'atul Tajdidul Islam concluded the presentations with a lecture on drug abuse from an Islamic perspective, stressing the importance of religious teachings, moral values and family guidance in preventing substance abuse.
Promoting a Healthier Kano
The public lecture underscored DMCSA's continued support for the health sector reforms of the Kano State Government while reinforcing the importance of public education, stakeholder collaboration and responsible medicine use in building a healthier and more productive society.
Beyond ensuring access to quality medicines and medical consumables, the Agency said it would continue partnering with relevant stakeholders to combat counterfeit medicines, prevent substance abuse and promote healthier communities across Kano State.
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