Citation

Uzabakiriho A. Turk. J. Occup. Envir. Med. Saf. 2017; 2(1): e15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Engin TUTKUN; Bozok Üniversitesi)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organization made up of countries such as; The Republic of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania with its headquarter in Arusha-Tanzania. Drug abuse is the habitual taking of addictives or illegal drugs. The use of drugs has increased among the youth in EAC and this region now operates as a potential source of drug consumption, supply and transit route especially from Middle East Countries of Asia to Africa. Alcohol, Tabacco, Cannabis, Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine and a local brew commonly known as Kanyanga are among the most consumed illegal substances in EAC. Most of the youth lack basic knowledge about the effects and dangers of its consumption. This ignorance put them at high risk which can lead directly or indirectly to health problems, crimes and diseases. This has become a matter of concern to governments, parents, teachers, Non-governmental organizations and all other relevant agencies. Every country in the EAC has recognized negative consequences of drug abuse and they launched National Anti-drugs Campaign. Its mandete is to initiate public edication Campaign and develop an action plan aimed at curbing drug abuse by the youth. EAC established Regional Referral Forensic Center (RRFC) to investigate such kind of crimes and recommend possible measure to overcome drug abuse in the EAC.

Language: en