The Rivers State Government has commissioned 19 Drug Abuse Access and Drop-In Centres across the state to strengthen efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this during the commissioning of one of the facilities at the Professor Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Acting Director of the Ministry’s Medical Services Department, Dr. Hope Avunda, Wachukwu said the initiative reflects the government’s recognition of drug dependence as a public health challenge requiring compassionate, evidence-based and people-centred interventions.
He explained that the centres would provide accessible, confidential and non-judgmental services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders, including prevention, treatment support, referrals to rehabilitation facilities and social reintegration.
Wachukwu expressed concern over the growing prevalence of substance abuse among young people, noting that its effects extend beyond individuals to families and society.
According to him, drug abuse contributes to family disintegration, crime, insecurity, poor educational outcomes, unemployment and reduced productivity.
He added that the centres would offer counselling, screening, psychosocial support, referral services, harm-reduction education and links to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
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Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Bright Ogbonda, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Geoffrey Onyema Wosu, described the initiative as a door of hope for people battling substance use disorders.
He said the facilities would enable affected individuals to seek help without fear, discrimination or stigma.
Earlier, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health, Pharm. Charles Fredrick Haliday, described the Drug Abuse Access Centre initiative as a pilot project and pioneering low-threshold public health intervention.
He said it was designed to provide community-centred, evidence-based treatment, support and harm-reduction services, offering vulnerable populations a safe and accessible entry point into care.
Haliday explained that the centres would provide confidential services, initial screening and counselling, alongside referral pathways for specialised treatment at tertiary healthcare facilities.
Stakeholders at the event pledged to collaborate with the state government to intensify efforts to reduce drug and substance abuse among young people.
The highlight of the ceremony was the inauguration of 19 coordinators who will oversee the operations of the mapped Drug Abuse Access and Drop-In Centres across Rivers State.
