26 June 2023 /Healthcare/ — The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual observance held on 26 June to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. The day is also an occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the international community to the goal of a drug-free world.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the need to address the stigma and discrimination that people who use drugs face. This is reflected in the theme of World Drug Day 2023, which is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”

There are many different ways that people around the world mark World Drug Day. Some of the most common activities include:

• Rallies and marches: These events are a way to raise awareness of the issue of drug abuse and to call for action to address it.
• Public service announcements: These messages are broadcast on television, radio, and online to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse.
• Community events: These events bring people together to learn about drug abuse and to find ways to support those who are affected by it.
• Educational workshops: These workshops provide information about drug abuse and how to prevent it.
• Online campaigns: These campaigns use social media and other online platforms to raise awareness of the issue of drug abuse.

The goal of all of these activities is to raise awareness of the problem of drug abuse and to promote the message that people who use drugs are not criminals, but rather people who need help. By working together, we can create a world where everyone is free from the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Here are some specific examples of campaigns, rallies, and awareness programs that have been held on World Drug Day:

• In 2019, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched a global campaign called “Health for Justice. Justice for Health.” The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the link between drug use and HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.
• In 2020, the UNODC launched a regional campaign in Southeast Asia called “Stop the Stigma. Start the Conversation.” The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the stigma and discrimination that people who use drugs face.
• In 2021, the UNODC launched a national campaign in India called “Drugs: Not an Option.” The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse among young people.

These are just a few examples of the many campaigns, rallies, and awareness programs that have been held on World Drug Day. By working together, we can create a world where everyone is free from the harmful effects of drug abuse.