Pubdate: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 Source: Times Of Oman (Sultanate of Oman) Copyright: 2005 Times Of Oman Contact: http://www.timesofoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3649 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Author: Staff EXPERT CALLS FOR COOPERATIVE DRUGS REHABILITATION EFFORT MUSCAT -- An anti-drugs volunteer from Africa has reiterated his call for joint efforts to fight drug abuse, drug addiction and the like. In fact, Abubakr S. Khalid Al Hosni, a representative of The Omari Project, in Malindi, Kenya (a rehabilitation centre for drug abuse) also fondly hoped that Oman would consider offering assistance to set up an Oman-Zanzibar drug rehabilitation centre in Zanzibar, a subject that he has mooted to the Omani authorities, couple of years ago. "Oman is a model country in the fight against drugs. It is hugely successful in its anti-drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking measures. "The Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Health in Oman and other organisations have been doing a wonderful job in controlling drug abuse and containing drug trafficking here. "We want to repeat Oman's success story in Zanzibar, and for that we need the help of Omani authorities concerned," Abubakr Al Hosni told the Times of Oman, as part of the World Anti Drugs Day (international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking) today. "I am confident of Oman's support to this cause. I am also sure that one day we will have Omani assistance in building an Oman-Zanzibar rehabilitation centre in Zanzibar. "At the moment, we have a rehabilitation centre in Kenya, which is run by the Bristol drug abuse control programme. But, the problem is that since there is no centre in Zanzibar, the Kenya-based centre has to provide treatment for drug abusers from Zanzibar also. "This poses quite a burden for the Kenya-based centre. So, ideally we should have a centre for Kenya and another one for Zanzibar. It is this idea that we want to present to the Omani authorities, once again." However, the good press that he has received in the Omani media has come to good stead, he noted. "Because of that several well wishers from Oman -- Petroleum Development Oman and Oman Air for instance -- have been in Zanzibar to confer and assist organisations dealing with drug abusers. "Oman Air, for instance, has provided an X-ray machine (for baggage) to the Zanzibar airport authorities. "This was indeed great news for me! And I am still encouraging these well wishers to do more, to help bring more drug awareness to our country," he said. "Some of them have even taken the list of those rehabilitated persons and offered them jobs." However, Abubakr Al Hosni was of the opinion that there was marked improvement in the drug-abuse situation in Zanzibar/Kenya. "Thanks to the rehab centre in Kenya, drug abusers are obtaining relief and they are able to come back to the mainstream society. "The happy news is that those who are reformed are now married, with children and are role models for other drug abusers who also want to be rehabilitated." "This is why I want the Omani authorities concerned to come and visit Kenya and Zanzibar. It will not be a boost to the historical links that Oman and Zanzibar enjoy alone, but it will also see the improved situation, how concerted efforts by the Zanzibar government and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have helped in reducing this menace. "I am happy to report that there has been a reduction of almost 40 per cent! This is a telling point and the statistics would stand as testimony to the Zanzibar government's efforts and the unwavering support of the NGOs. "Today, the government takes immediate action if drug abuse is reported. So, the dealers and the agents are moving away. Of course, the Zanzibar government is doing a great job, but timely assistance from countries like Oman, which are quite successful in containing drug abuse, should be of great help." Abubakr Al Hosni meanwhile noted that Dr Mahmoud Al Abri, director-general of Ibn Sina Hospital, had invited him to have a formal exchange of ideas on this subject in September. He added that he has also reciprocated this invitation to the director-general and other officials by asking them to visit Zanzibar. Such exchanges will help not only strengthen the deeply entrenched Oman-Zanzibar relations but also help in the fight against drugs, Abubakr Al Hosni said. He praised the ROP and said that they were quite vigilant and it was thanks to them that Oman enjoyed great security and successfully managed to rein in on drug traffickers. "I am very proud of the ROP, especially the anti-drug fighting department. "The authorities in Kenya and Zanzibar are good, but the situation is quite different there. We cannot compare that situation with Oman, because the Sultanate is way ahead in this regard." Abubakr Al Hosni also appreciated the anti-drug campaign by the ROP. "I had been in Oman some years back and found the anti-drug campaign in full swing. This time, I feel that they have intensified the campaign. There are more placards and posters, all of it pointing to the fact that Oman is a top country as far as its anti-drug campaign and raising awareness on this subject is concerned." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin