Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Jasmine Mand
As world trade rises, so does the trade of drugs. About 292 million people used a drug in 2022, which is a 20% increase from the last decade. Furthermore, 40 million people are diagnosed with a drug disorder; there are 600,000 deaths per year from drug abuse. As people use more injections, HIV and other immune deficiencies increase. Overdose also accounts for a quarter of drug related deaths. Although drugs like naloxone can prevent drug related deaths, it is often limited to health care professionals. In South Africa, there is an increase of crime due to substance abuse. There is an increase in hepatitis and an increase in violence. As people suffer from substance abuse it disrupts their quality of life and the rate of addiction increases.
South Africa has implemented several methods to combat the substance abuse issue. They have issued the National Drug Master Plan. This plan aims to create a South Africa free from substance abuse. By educating the young, substance abuse can be reduced. South Africa also implemented law enforcement like the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 2008. This act aims to reduce the demand and harm caused by addiction through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. The opioid crisis has also become a growing problem, with an increasing number of people becoming addicted to prescription painkillers and heroin. The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence is the leading NGO toward treatment and prevention. They also help with community development and training. We also ask aid from WHO toward evidence based treatment services.
With this substance abuse problem in South Africa, the crime rates have increased and developing nations do not have enough resources to combat these problems. There needs to be legislation in place to reduce the impact of drugs. NGOs like the United Nations Drug Abuse Center can help fund research and relief programs. South Africa’s National Drug plan emphasizes the need for education toward the young and implementing harsh laws. South Africa also advocates for a global viewpoint on these rising issues and public health safety.
