Abuse of drugs such as paracetamol affect the liver – Health Commissioner

Dr. Joseph Ngbea, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue, has warned Nigerians against abusing drugs such as paracetamol.

Ngbea made the remarks on Monday during the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) in Makurdi, which was organized by the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The commissioner revealed that paracetamol abuse had a negative impact on the liver.

He urged them to strictly follow their prescriptions in order to avoid drug abuse and subsequent damage to their body systems.

He also stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with ESLF and NDLEA, would present a proposal to the state government to build rehabilitation centers in all three Senatorial Districts of the state.

He promised that the ministry would continue to work with the ESLF and the NDLEA to ensure WADA’s success in the state.

Meanwhile, Benue Gov. Samuel Ortom has linked the country’s rising cases of insecurity to an increase in substance abuse.

Ortom stated that drug abuse has had a significant impact on society and that as a result, everyone must work together to address it head on.

He praised his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom, for leading the fight against drug abuse in the state and throughout the country.

Dr. Eunice Ortom also advised Nigerians to think creatively about how to combat the drug epidemic.

“Drug abuse is a worldwide problem, and people should not let it ruin their lives or steal their joy or happiness.”

“For President Muhammadu Buhari to launch WADA, it means that the menace must be addressed with all seriousness and determination.”

“Almost everyone is affected by drug abuse in some way,” she said.

She encouraged people not to dismiss victims, but rather to assist them because they required love, care, affection, assistance, advice, prayers, encouragement, and counselling.

Mrs Esther Musa, the state Commander of the NDLEA, lamented that cannabis cultivation had taken over the cultivation of yams, cassava, maize, and other crops in the state.

Musa urged everyone to help the agency avert the threat by providing information to her.

Miss Karen Yankyaa, the ELSF’s Coordinating Programme Officer, stated that a 2020 survey revealed that 14.4 million Nigerians used and abused drugs.