Our country is focusing on education of the younger generation as comprehensively developed personalities and fencing them from various evils. The work on the formation of a healthy way of life, strengthening the immune against youth drug abuse, smoking and other bad habits serves to become healthy and active members of society for a young people.
In this context, an expert of the European Union, member of the EU on the implementation of the program CADAP-6 (Central Asia Drug Action Program – Anti-drug program for Central Asia), Professor K.Ostazevki shared his comments on the situation in the field of combating drug trafficking in Uzbekistan in an interview with Jahon.
– First of all, I would like to emphasize that our goal – not to teach Uzbek colleagues how to deal with drug addiction. They understand these problems better than us. The EU Project CADAP-6 in which European experts attended, suggests, first of all, to provide consultations on policy and technical assistance issues, as well as measures to monitor the situation with drugs in order to support prevention, treatment and harm reduction from drug use.
Currently, Uzbekistan has made some progress in this direction directing great material, technical and human resources for the fight against drug addiction. The country applies a balanced approach aimed at reducing demand for drugs and preventing their illegal import.
Uzbekistan provides an effective control regime on the borders which leads to efficiency in the detection of contraband. The government took very timely measures to improve the technical equipment of the corresponding structures.
However, most importantly – a lot of attention is placed on promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through these efforts, the number of drug addicts has been decreasing from year to year.
Moreover, in drug prevention among young people Uzbekistan has a unique mechanisms existing only in this country. The young people are willing to listen the wise advices of venerable age in mahallas, families and courtyards. This is a primary echelon in the overall effort of society to prevent the deadly phenomenon. The children’s summer camps conduct various kinds of activities and preventive talks. In addition, spiritual leaders carry on educational works with the population, including during public prayers.
As a result, the incidence of drug use is reduced, the number of patients with drug dependence are also decreasing.
Positive and instructive experience of Uzbekistan which contains a comprehensive approach to the problem, is necessary to use not only in the region but also far beyond.
Jahon Information Agency, Warsaw