Situation of the country will change only by stopping the drug epidemic- Ameen

Deputy Leader of the Jumhooree Party Ameen Ibrahim has said that the situation of the country can only be changed by stopping the drug epidemic.

Ameen made this remark speaking at the meeting held at M. Konooz, the activity centre of the Jumhooree Party to voice against the abuse against women. He said that child abuse, women abuse and the abuse of men are all linked to drugs. He said that it is incumbent upon all stake holders and the people to make efforts to stop this epidemic.

Ameen said that there are 18 people officially listed by the authorities as having AIDS and according to WHO’s statistics there are atleast 180 AIDS patients. He said that this is a very large number when compared to the population of Maldives.

Ameen said that drug abuse is also one of the means of the transmission of AIDS. He said that statistics show that the use of drugs using syringes is now getting common in the Maldives which is a matter of grave concern.

Ameen said that the Jumhooree Party wholeheartedly welcomes the passing of the new regulations on smoking in public places. He said that smoking is the root cause of drug abuse and obstructing the use of tobacco is a door being shut against drug abuse.