A group of protestors, on Tuesday, organized a small demonstration, demanding the reformation of the National Drug Agency (NDA) and the strengthening of treatment systems for individuals in or seeking recovery.
Approximately six individuals gathered in front of the agency in the capital city of Male' and raised concerns regarding the instability of Maldives' rehabilitation and drug treatment system.
They also displayed and distributed posters and boards plastered with their sentiments regarding the matter.
Notably, the protestors criticized NDA's failure to successfully establish the six types of treatment facilities mandated by the Narcotic Drugs Act, which was introduced in December 2011.
Under the act, NDA was given an 18-month period to set up a detoxification centre, a drug treatment and rehabilitation centre, a children's drug and rehabilitation centre, a women's drug and rehabilitation centre, a halfway house and a drug offender remand centre.
However, despite the lapse of nine years following the implementation of the act, NDA has yet to establish the drug offender remand centre.
The protest occurring in front of NDA was halted by police officers stationed in the area.
At present it is unknown whether any individuals were apprehended by the police.
As with most parts of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable groups in Maldives such as drug addicts, women and children, as per various official sources.
The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services confirmed in April that all classes and sessions held by NDA at the Community Centre were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Furthermore, the gender ministry revealed that 31 percent of homeless people that requested government assistance as of April were identified as being addicted to drugs.
In 2013, the National Drug Use Survey estimated that there were 7,500 drug users in the Maldives, of which the major of users were between 15-24 years old. Around 200 drug users in Malé and 300 in the rest of the country were found to be injecting drug users who are vulnerable to the spread of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Although little research was publicised since, experts continue to surmise that figures are still on the rise, along with that of associated risks. A number of people have attributed to the high incidence of relapse, to poor rehabilitation facilities and programs, along with prevailing social stigma and lack of access to counselling that covers job prospects, assists with living situations and so forth.
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