ISLAMABAD: To mark the International Overdose Awareness Day, a cycle race was held at the Islamabad Sports Complex on Saturday.

The day is observed to give people a chance to remember loved ones who lost their lives to drugs and to spread awareness amongst the youth about drugs and alcohol.

The event has been observed internationally since 2001. However, in Pakistan the day was observed for the first time this year.

In the federal capital, Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation in collaboration with Serena Hotels organised the cycle race to involve the youth in healthy activities.

The participants were divided into three categories: junior aged five to 11 years, senior from 12 to 18 years and professionals.

Zubia Asher, one of the organisers of the “Drug overdose marathon save tomorrow” cycle race told Dawn that it was the social responsibility of all departments and organisations to create public awareness about the use of drugs.

“Moreover, the youth should be involved in physical activities so that they can be kept from the use of drugs,” she said.

Musical performances by local groups were also organised on the occasion.

According to a report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug use prevalence continued to be stable around the world.

It is estimated that 246 million people – slightly over five per cent of those aged 15 to 64 years worldwide – used an illicit drug in 2013.

About 27 million people are problem drug users, almost half of whom are people who inject drugs.

An estimated 1.65 million of people who inject drugs were living with HIV in 2013. Men are three times more likely than women to use cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines while women are more likely to misuse prescription opioids and tranquillisers.

The report says estimated 187,100 drug-related deaths occurred in 2013. In some countries, women who injected drugs were more vulnerable to HIV infection than men and the prevalence of HIV can be higher among women who injected drugs.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2016