DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MARKS INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) will mark International Overdose Awareness Day on 30 August 2024 in the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga, with a focus on raising awareness about drug overdoses and substance use disorders (SUDs) and offering support to affected communities.
• The engagement, held at Vesubuhle Community Hall, will target 150 participants, including individuals who use drugs, parents, community members, and stakeholders, and will be preceded by a public roadshow at KwaMhlanga Crossing Taxi Rank.
• The DSD’s initiatives, such as the Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme and Siyalulama Outreach Programme, will be showcased, highlighting the department’s comprehensive approach to prevention, early intervention, treatment, and reintegration.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) will commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day on 30 August 2024 in the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga. The engagement, themed “Together We Can,” aims to raise awareness about the increasing threat of drug overdoses and substance use disorders (SUDs) while providing support to affected communities.

This year’s engagement will take place at Vesubuhle Community Hall in KwaMhlanga, targeting 150 participants, including people who use drugs, parents, community members, and stakeholders. The lead-up to the event began with a roadshow at KwaMhlanga Crossing Taxi Rank, aimed at mobilising the public and offering critical information on overdose risks.

Ahead of the engagement, Ms Faith Namathe, Social Policy Manager for Substance Abuse at DSD, highlighted the department’s commitment to tackling substance abuse, which has become a pressing issue in South Africa.

“Substance abuse is now central to many social ills in our society. It drives crime, violence, and corruption and has devastating effects on health, families, and communities. As we see more young people engaging in substance use, the issue of overdose becomes even more pressing,” said Namathe.

The World Drug Report 2023 indicates a global rise in drug use, with cannabis being the most commonly used substance, followed by opioids, amphetamines, and cocaine. South Africa has seen a significant expansion in the methamphetamine market, making it one of the world’s largest consumers of the drug. Despite this, overdose remains a significant concern, particularly among users of opioids and other high-risk substances.

“Over the past two decades, drug overdose deaths have risen dramatically worldwide. Although South Africa lacks precise overdose data, we know that overdose is a genuine threat for our communities, particularly those using multiple substances or injecting drugs,” Namathe added.

The department’s efforts to combat substance abuse are guided by the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, Act 70 of 2008. This legislation offers a comprehensive national response to drug abuse, focusing on prevention, early intervention, treatment, and reintegration.

In Mpumalanga, the engagement will concentrate on educating the public about substance abuse dangers and providing services to those affected. Various speakers from different departments and NGOs will share information, and community members will have the chance to engage on issues related to substance abuse. These discussions are essential for breaking down the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and recognising addiction as a disease that requires holistic treatment.

The department’s approach includes four levels of intervention: prevention, early intervention, treatment, and reintegration. Each programme addresses different stages of substance use and its consequences, with a specific focus on overdose prevention.

“Prevention is crucial. We aim to empower young people to delay or avoid substance use entirely,” said Namathe. “Through early intervention, we seek to interrupt the progression of substance abuse and prevent severe dependency issues that may lead to overdose.”

The DSD’s flagship initiatives, such as the Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme and the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC), are designed to educate children and youth about the dangers of substance abuse and provide standardised treatment for affected individuals and families. Additionally, the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) equips government and NGO workers with evidence-based methods to protect at-risk youth.

The Siyalulama Outreach Programme, another key initiative, brings services directly to hotspot areas where drug abuse is prevalent. “We understand that not everyone can access our treatment centres, so we bring the services to them,” Namathe said.

The International Overdose Awareness Day engagement will serve as a critical platform to promote these services and offer essential information on preventing overdose deaths. This year’s commemoration will not only raise awareness but also foster a sense of unity and action within the community, particularly among parents and traditional leaders, who play a vital role in addressing substance abuse.

“Traditional leaders are crucial in this fight. They have significant influence, especially in rural areas, and can help us raise awareness and preserve cultural practices that protect youth from substance abuse,” Namathe noted.

The department encourages communities to report drug dealers, support those affected by SUDs and overdose, and supervise children and youth. Namathe calls for collective action: “Together, we can save lives and prevent overdose deaths. Let’s work together to create safer, healthier communities.”

The DSD also anticipates the approval of its draft Policy on the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, which will further strengthen the country’s legislative framework in addressing drug abuse.