As schools across Kerala reopen this week after the summer vacation, students will be greeted with a fresh initiative aimed at combatting drug abuse among young people.
The state’s Drugs Control Department has launched vibrant name slips featuring cartoon characters, sports stars, and film icons, each carrying important messages about the dangers of drug use.
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The initiative aims to instil awareness about the health risks posed by drugs among schoolchildren, Health Minister Veena George said. The name slips will be distributed to all schools by the General Education Department.
This isn’t the first time the Kerala Drugs Control Department has turned to name slips to spread important health messages. Previously, the department used these colourful slips to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), educating children about the need to use antibiotics responsibly. That campaign, which rolled out in Alappuzha district, proved to be a hit with young students, The Hindu reported.
Health Minister Veena George noted that the department has been proactive in its fight against drug abuse. She added that the department recently urged Health Minister JP Nadda to step in and curb the sale of drugs through online pharmacies, highlighting the state’s commitment to keeping its citizens safe.
