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Prof. LERE BAALE Gives 5 Solutions
Prof Lere Baale is the Chief Executive of Business School Netherlands International (Nigeria). He is also the President Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy. He is also the Regional Partner of HOWES-CMOE Inc. He is a Certified Consultant and an International Speaker with passionate focus on Strategy, Leadership, Marketing and Systems.
He has over 30 years of business management experience in leading world class global corporations and also a member of Ikoyi club 1938.
Prof. Lere Baale was the first speak at the recent Island Club Business Luncheon in Lagos with the Theme: Drug Abuse In Nigeria: Challenges & Solutions. The keynote Speaker was Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA. Prof. Lere Baale “Pharmaceutical Intervention And Strategies For Curbing Medicine & Drug Abuse In Nigeria”.
His strategies are as follows:
(1) REGULATORY CONTROLS ON DRUG DISTRIBUTION AND ACCESS
*One ofthe most effective strategies for curbing drug abuse is strengthening regulatory controls over drug distribution and access, he said The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regulates pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. The Pharmacy Councit of Nigeria regulates the pharmacy profession, which consists of pharmaceutical experts. However, enforcing stringent oversight on prescription and over-the-counter medications remains challenging due to limited resources and infrastructure to address this:
* Stricter Prescription Guidelines: Enforcing guidelines and making it more stringent for prescribing medications, exceptionally controlled substances like opioids and sedatives, can help prevent misuse. This includes mandating that certain medications are only dispensed with official, verifiable presctiptions and developing electronic preschiption tracking systems to prevent abuse and duplication.
* Monitoring Pharmacies and Drug Outlets: Regular inspections of pharmacies, drug outtets, and hospitals can help detect and prevent unauthorised sales of controlled substances. Penalties for pharmacies and other medical suppliers that violate drug regulations should be enforced to create a deterrent against illegal practices.
*Reducing Over-the-counter Access: Limiting access to high-risk medications that can be abused, like painkillers and cough syrups with codeine, by regulating them as prescription only, can minimise misuse. Banning or restricting certain substances is elective in other countries and could impact Nigeria.
(2) Public Awareness and Education Initiatives Education is crltical to prevention, especially when it comes to addressing the knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding drug use. Public awareness campaigns can inform Individuals about the dangers of drug misuse and the long-term effects of substance abuse on health and society
* School and Community Programmer: integrating drug education into school curricula and lasting community workshops can help young people, parents, and communities understand the risks associated with drug abuse. Programs led by healthcare professionals, teachers, and community leaders can help spread accurate information and foster drug free environments
* Pharmacy and Healthcare Counselling; Pharmacists and health care providers can be essential in educating patients about the risks associated with certain medications: When dispensing high-risk medications, pharmacists should provide though counselling on proper usage, side effects, and safe disposal of unused medications
(3) Pharmaceutical Interventions and Treatment Accessibility. Effective pharmaceutical interventions go beyond prevention and address the treatment needs of individuals who are already affected by drug addiction. Expanding access to medical treatments for addiction can provide individuals with the support needed for recovery.
* Opiaid Replacement Therapy (ORT): For individuals struggling with opioid addiction, ORT using methadone or buprenorphine has proven to be an effective treatment option. Implementing ORT programs in specialised clinies or hospitals can support patients in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing dependency.
*Behavioral and Medical Treatment Integration: Integrating pharmaceutical treatments with behavioural therapies (such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy) in healthcare facilities can provide a holistic approach to addiction treatment. Such integration increases the chances of recovery and reduces relapse rates.
*Subsidising Addiction Treatment: Given the high costs of specialised addiction treatments, subsidies or government support for treatment centres could make recovery options more accessible for low-income populations. Financial assistance programs can encourage more individuals to seek help.
(4) STRENGTHENING COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
*Addressing drug abuse requires collaboration beyond national borders. Many of the pharmaceuticals and illegal substances that end up in Nigeria’s black market are smuggled or imported from abroad. Working with international organisations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), can provide Nigeria with additional resources and expertise to strengthen its anti-drug efforts.
*Training for Law Enforcement and Healthcare Personnel: Partnerships with international agencies can help train Nigerian law enforcement and healthcare providers on the latest drug enforcement and treatment techniques. This collaboration can also facilitate knowledge exchange on best practices and technologies for tracking and controlling drug distribution.
*Cross-border Monitoring and Intelligence Sharing: By sharing intelligence on drug trafficking networks, Nigeria and neighbouring countries can collaborate to curb the illegal importation of controlled substances. International partnerships provide access to monitoring tools and database that enhance Nigeria’s capability to track and intercept drug shipments.
(5) SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-BASED RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
* Beyond individual treatment, community based support is crucial for sustaining long-term recovery and preventing relapses, Rehabilitation and reintegration efforts provide individuals with a supportive network that facilitates recovery and reduces the stigma assocated with addiction.
* Peer Support and Rehabilitation Centers: Establishing community-based rehabilitation centres that offer peer support, skils training, and counselling can help those recovering trom addiction reintegrato into soclety. Community programs.allow individuals to build a support system that encourages continued recovery and prevents isolation.
*Anti-stigma Campaigns: Addressing societäl stigras against drug users, is essential to encourage individuats to seek help without fear of discrimination. Public education campaigns aimed at destigmatising addiction can foster a more supportive envitonment. promoting recovery as a community issues rather than an indvidual problem.
Reported by
Olajumoke Aro
