(following item is part of KUNA's campaign against drugs

By Nojoud Al-Qassem

(News Feature) RAMALLAH, Dec 24 (KUNA) -- Number of Palestinians addicted to drugs is mounting in the West Bank despite noticeable efforts by public and private institutions to fight the threat.
A national strategy against the narcotics is drawn up every five years TO ensure counter action against the peril, said Dr. Saed Belbisi, the director of alternative treatment at the Palestinian Ministry of Health in an interview with KUNA.
The fresh strategy, valid until 2028, has been worked out, including plans to treat the afflicted, provide medicines, psychological and social aid, Dr. Al-Belbisi said, adding that the five-year plan envisages enhancing public awareness of the danger particularly among the youth in addition to addressing cases of domestic violence caused by addicted husbands.
The national treatment center, that operates under auspices of the ministry of health, provides daily and 24-hour care for some extreme cases, he said, underscoring prime role of the opioids treatment center -- the first of its KIND in Palestine and the third at the Arab level, with Qatar and the UAE.
Abdullah Al-Elaiwi, the chief of the anti-drugs department in the police, affirmed that the squad has been combating activities by dealers, despite hurdles such as the Israeli occupation forces that obstruct free movement for the Palestinian forces.
Since 2015, authorities have been trying to stop the planting of drugs-generating plants in houses and green houses.
Afaf Rabie, a consultant, alluded spread of drugs to soaring unemployment, living difficulties within families and the Israeli-controlled boundaries and constraints.
She has accused the Israeli occupation of facilitating Palestinian youth access to narcotics and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Palestinians' efforts against the hazard. (end) naq.rk

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