Role of Media in fight Against Drugs Intensifies

FOUZIA KHAN

JEDDAH: More than 107 university professors, media personal and representatives from the government and private sectors participated in a course on the role of media in fighting against drugs. The course was organized by King Abdulaziz University and the National Program for the Fight against Drugs.

The three day course concluded was organized to discuss the scope of drug-related problems, their harm and how the media can help in fighting against drugs not only at the university level, but in schools and homes as well.

Experts explained that, through the use of a positive approach, the media can help to increase awareness on the ill-effects of drugs through the telling of stories about drug addiction on national media platforms.

They also noted that social media can play a vital role in educating people and families about drugs and their dangers.

Abdullah bin Mohammad Al-Shareef, the secretary-general of the National Committee for the Fight against Drugs, detailed the project’s plan of action for 1438, which includes programs that educate children and their families, making use of all types of media, research, and information about drugs.

He added that scientific and preventive forums on drug awareness will be held in different regions of the Kingdom to achieve a national approach that protects all segments of society from the scourge of drugs.

Dr. Abeer Khayat, assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University and an attendee of the course, told Arab news that the course was very informative, especially on the role of media in spreading awareness, and in fighting against drugs in schools.

Al-Shareef said the course was part of a series of programs carried out under the banner of the National Program, which collectively aim to provide participants from media groups, universities and related authorities with the tools to understand how to help families can eliminate drugs from society.

(Source: ArabNews.com)