Mauritius: In the context of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on 26 June, a Pacific March regrouping some 2,500 persons was organised today in Flacq to raise awareness on the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
The Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Soomilduth Bholah; the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Darsanand Balgobin; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Sudheer Maudhoo; the Minister of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, Teeruthraj Hurdoyal; and other eminent personalities, were present on this occasion.
The event was an initiative of the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the District Council of Flacq. A free medical checkup and a blood donation activity were also held for the public.
Addressing the participants, Minister Jagutpal highlighted the importance of a community-based approach to preventing and reducing drug abuse, as well as the role of parents, the family, and the public to guide and educate the youth on the ill effects of drugs. He appealed to the youth and the population to take up regular sports activities, maintain a balanced diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
For his part, Minister Maudhoo commended the elders and the students for participating in the march. He added that this demonstrates the willingness of everyone to contribute to the Government’s effort in its fight against drug trafficking.
As for Minister Hurdoyal, he expressed satisfaction as regards the number of persons who participated in the march, especially the youth, elders, and public officers. He dwelt on the devastating impacts of drugs on people’s health, society and the economy. He also called for a concerted approach to sensitise the public and promote more drug prevention activities.
