CDA will through the session re-introduce the National Drug Master Plan 2019-24; highlight its priorities for 2023/24 specifically relating to prevention and harm reduction; and inform the media about the upcoming provincial dialogues which will lead to a national summit on substance abuse in the country.

CDA is a statutory body established in terms of Section 53 of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 2008 (Act 70 of 2008). It monitors and oversees the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan which is geared towards realizing a South Africa that is free from drugs.

Among other responsibilities, the CDA encourages government departments and private institutions to compile plans to address substance abuse in line with the goals of the National Drug Master Plan; facilitates the initiation and promotion of measures to combat the use of substances; ensures the development of effective strategies on prevention, early intervention, reintegration and aftercare services, and in particular ensures the development of effective strategies regarding the prevention of HIV and Aids infections and other medical consequences related to substance abuse; and advises government on policies and programmes in the field of substance abuse and drug trafficking.

According to the World Substance Report (2021), drugs killed almost half a million people in 2019, and substance use disorders resulted in 18 million years of healthy life lost,

mostly due to opioids. Over the past year, 275 million people have used drugs, up by 22% from 2010. The Report projects that by 2030, the number of people using drugs will rise by 11% around the world, and with as much as 40% in Africa alone.

The World Substance Report further revealed that addiction can be an unending and agonizing struggle for persons using drugs where suffering is needlessly compounded when they cannot access evidence-based care or are subjected to discrimination; consequences of substance use can also have ripple effects that hurt families, potentially across generations, as well as friends and colleagues; and that using drugs can endanger health and mental health and this is especially harmful in early adolescence.

Here in South Africa, the substance problem evolves very rapidly, from the growth of the substance trade and the sophisticated manner in which drugs are manufactured and distributed; the emergence of new substances with higher addictive properties; to the use of these substances, including the decreasing age of initiation of use and the onset of substance use disorders being as low as nine years of age, and the impact they are having in society.

According to the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Substance Use (SACENDU) Report of 2022, in the first half of 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of persons admitted for treatment, from 9 394 in 2020 to 10 938 across the

94 treatment centres in the country. At 27%, the Eastern Cape saw a significant increase of those seeking treatment, with 9% in Gauteng, 33% in KwaZulu-Natal seeking Alcohol

and other Drugs (AOD) treatment.

Members of the Media are invited to this important session which will be held as follows:

Venue: Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng

Room: JULIA

Date: Thursday, 30 March 2023

Time: 09H30

Media Enquiries and Confirmations

Nomcebo Dlamini – 083 252 8338

CDA Deputy Chairperson