We Remember: DHRAN takes overdose awareness to another level

In a determined effort to combat the escalating drug overdose crisis in Nigeria, the Drug Harm Reduction Advocacy Network (DHRAN) spearheaded a nationwide candlelight vigil to commemorate this year’s International Drug Overdose Awareness Day.

The solemn event, held on August 31st, saw DHRAN’s member organizations orchestrate activities across multiple states, including Osun, Ebonyi, Abakiliki, Abuja, Imo, Taraba, Gombe, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Oyo and Anambra.

As a network led by individuals directly impacted by drug use, DHRAN’s participation in this event was not just symbolic but a critical extension of its mission to advocate for the human rights and improve the lives of those affected by drug use in Nigeria. The event was more than just a remembrance; it was a powerful platform to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of drug overdose, a topic that remains shrouded in stigma and misconception within the country.

In the lead-up to the vigil, DHRAN amplified its advocacy by distributing specially designed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials throughout August. These materials were disseminated across various media channels to educate the public on the realities of drug overdose and to challenge the prevailing misconceptions that often accompany discussions about drug use in Nigeria.

The gravity of the situation in Nigeria is underscored by alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which reveal a rising incidence of drug overdoses, particularly among the youth. The Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency reports that a staggering 70% of drug-related deaths in the country are attributed to opioid overdose, a crisis that continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.

Given these stark realities, DHRAN’s activities focused on not only raising awareness but also on advocating for practical solutions. A central theme of DHRAN’s efforts was the promotion of Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. DHRAN emphasized the urgent need to make Naloxone more widely available, especially in grassroots communities where individuals struggling with substance use are most vulnerable.

To further amplify its message, DHRAN released a special episode of its podcast, Drug Talk, dedicated entirely to the issue of drug overdose. This episode provided an in-depth discussion on the impact of drug overdoses in Nigeria and outlined actionable steps that can be taken to address this growing public health crisis from a uniquely Nigerian perspective.

In a significant development, DHRAN National Chairman Mr. Aniedi Apkan secured the support and approval of the National Technical Working Group on Drug Demand Reduction and Harm Reduction to facilitate the outsourcing of Naloxone into Nigeria, ensuring it becomes available at the community level.

Through these combined efforts, DHRAN continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the drug overdose crisis in Nigeria, striving to ensure that the lives lost to this preventable tragedy are neither forgotten nor in vain.