States » EastPosted at: Jun 19 2025 10:50PM


School children in Mizoram falling prey to drugs, warns expert

Aizawl, June 19 (UNI) Raising alarm across Mizoram, a leading de-addiction expert on Thursday warned that drug abuse is increasingly affecting school-going children in the state, underlining an urgent need for mass awareness among the youth.
Speaking at a one-day seminar on drug abuse organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Dr Chawnglungmuana, CEO of the Shalom De-addiction Centre, said early exposure to drugs among students is an emerging concern. He stressed that tackling the issue is not just a governmental responsibility but a constitutional one, citing Article 47 and the NDPS Act, 1985.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii, who attended the event, called for integrated efforts from all departments to combat the crisis. “We must act on supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction strategies to realise our goal of a drug-free Mizoram,” she said. She also highlighted the World Health Organisation's assertion that addiction is curable, urging expert consultation in treatment.
MSACS Project Director Dr Jane R. Ralte outlined several ongoing harm-reduction initiatives, including Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Condom Promotion, and Syringe Needle Exchange Programme (SNEP). “OST has enabled many recovering addicts to return to their studies and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities,” she said.
According to Dr Ralte, MSACS is currently implementing 30 Targeted Intervention (TI) projects and 8 Link Worker Scheme projects across the state to assist those battling substance use.
The seminar brought together officials from the Police, Excise & Narcotics Department, Mizoram Social Defence & Rehabilitation Board, Food & Drugs Administration, church leaders, doctors, and members of NGOs including the Samaritan Society, reflecting a broad-based commitment to curb the growing menace. UNI ZS SSP
Tags: #School children in Mizoram falling prey to drugs# warns expert
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