The province of Holguin joins the series of activities for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, celebrated every June 26th since 1987, with the aim of strengthening international action and cooperation to achieve a society free from the misuse of these harmful substances.
In line with this moment of transnational solidarity, where forces unite to reject this scourge, Cuba is holding the third exercise in prevention and confrontation against drugs, which also promotes changes in behaviors and practices that affect the well-being of communities.
Checks on the storage of medications and other substances similar to drugs, neighborhood debates and health meetings with patients who have gone through addictions.
According to the specialist nurse from the Provincial Department of Health Promotion and Prevention, Mercedes Leyva Almaguer, “the misuse of drugs and psychoactive substances used without medical supervision or therapeutic justification represents today a global public health problem that particularly affects young people.”
She added that prevention is a task that involves the whole society, families, schools, communities, and governments, and as part of the actions to reduce risk, especially among young people and adolescents, strategies such as interventions in the school environment have been developed.
It was pointed out that the holding of workshops, support groups, and access to psychological services, such as the confidential line 103, is enhanced as valuable tools.
There is a promotion of engagement in physical activity, art, and other recreational activities that provide positive alternatives and reduce exposure time to risky environments.
“We provide training to teachers and health professionals so they can detect these warning signs and act in time. We invite people to join this collective action to build sustainable alternatives to the so-called war on drugs and for our voices to resonate in the streets, mass media, and social networks,” said the person in charge of the educational component of the Mental Health Program.
This year’s commemoration slogan is “Breaking Chains: prevention, treatment, and recovery for all,” as a way to highlight the importance.
From community support, access to healthcare, and the need for global solidarity, to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking, urging nations to invest in community resilience and youth empowerment to create a drug-free society.
Families must understand that drug addiction is a phenomenon present in society. Our position is one of zero tolerance towards a scourge that finds new methods every day to enslave people in the world. Due to the importance of this issue, it has been considered a national security matter in Cuba, given the risks and dangers it poses to new generations.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
- Holguin with the first Center for Research Resources in Health - 28 de June de 2025
- Activities in Holguin for the International Day against Drug Abuse - 26 de June de 2025
- Presenting in Holguin life stories of health personalities - 25 de June de 2025