Mr. Thabo Mokhutsóane, representing the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) Lesotho, has unveiled a range of factors influencing the prevalence and patterns of alcohol-related issues among youth, spanning individual and societal spheres.

Mokhutsóane underscored various contributors to youth alcohol and drug abuse, including unemployment, high divorce rates, gender-based violence, homelessness, and truancy.

He advocated for the implementation of pioneering projects for youth, utilizing funds sourced from alcohol and tobacco levies as a proactive response to the societal consequences of substance abuse. SAAPA has engaged relevant stakeholders with this proposal, eagerly anticipating a constructive response.

Mr. Mokhutsóane emphasized the potential positive outcomes of such initiatives if executed carefully, highlighting numerous project ideas for youth engagement. Additionally, he emphasized the damaging impact of alcohol and drugs on sustainable development, spreading through all facets of society and hindering human capital, economic productivity, social cohesion, and healthcare systems.

Furthermore, he stressed the urgent need for rehabilitation centres tailored to youth amidst escalating substance abuse rates, advocating for accessible and affordable treatment options, along with the integration of screening and brief intervention programs into health services.

In conclusion, Mr. Mokhutsóane affirmed SAAPA commitment to raising awareness about the health and social ramifications of alcohol misuse, reinforcing its role as a network of NGOs advocating for evidence-based alcohol policies across Sub-Saharan Africa.