Belmopan. March 10, 2022. 5:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness categorically condemns the disturbing video circulating on social media, which shows a child consuming an alcoholic substance given to him by an adult.
The ministry, through the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), works on a daily basis to safeguard the population, especially children, from substance use and abuse. Through a number of substance misuse prevention programs, in and outside of schools, community empowerment initiatives, public education as well as outreach services, NDACC equips persons with the tools necessary to make the right choices, which thereby contributes to the reduction of the demand for licit and illicit substances, including alcohol.
As parents play a crucial role in deterring substance misuse by their children, the council also provides guidance to parents to deter early initiation of substance misuse in children.
The action shown in the video displays a form of child abuse. This goes against our core value as a society to protect the moral and health wellbeing of our children and highlights unacceptable practices that exist within our society that encourage substance misuse among children.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness calls on the relevant authorities to take action against persons who have endangered this child or any other child.
Comments