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On Tuesday, Bushbuckridge Executive Mayor Sylvia Nxumalo announced the creation of a new local drug committee aimed at combating rampant addiction and substance abuse in the community. The initiative, launched in Thulamahashe, will focus on rehabilitation and recovery services to help get drug users off the streets.
“Drug addiction destroys lives and tears families apart. We must take action to stop this crisis afflicting our youth,” Nxumalo stated.
MMC Virginia Mzimba and Ward 1 Councillor Bio Mpangana conducted an oversight visit to a known drug haven in Mkhuhlu as part of the new program. They assured residents struggling with addiction that the mayor has pledged resources to provide treatment and support.
“The path to recovery starts with the decision to get clean. Our message is you don’t have to do this alone. We will help you on your journey back to health,” they emphasized.
Experts warn that a major risk among drug users is sharing needles and syringes. This practice of “direct syringe sharing” can spread blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Using clean needles is critical.
“Even the tiniest amount of infected blood left in a used syringe can transmit disease to the next user. Addicts often reuse needles repeatedly out of convenience or cost,” said Dr. John Maluleke, a public health specialist.
Proper needle exchange programs allow users to swap dirty needles for sterile ones, no questions asked.
“We need greater access to clean needles and safe injection sites, not judgment, to stop needle-borne outbreaks,” Maluleke said.
Mayor Nxumalo’s initiative aims to tackle the underlying addiction driving risky needle use. To protect public health, we must reduce the demand for drugs through education and evidence-based treatment. Recovery is possible if you take the first step.
