Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 25:

To mark ‘International Drug Trafficking Day’, former drug users and HIV/AIDS patients today organised a blood donation programme at the SOS Youth Village, Koteshwor, with the intention of showing that they, too, are capable of serving society. “Even after drug users overcome their dependence on drugs and want to live a normal life, society still disregards their feelings and are not trusted upon,” Kipak Tamang, founder chairman of Light for Life (LFL), said. LFL, an NGO, counsels drug users on rehabilitation programmes, and runs awareness programmes on drugs use and HIV/AIDS. “Although the former drug users cannot donate donate their blood, what they can do is organise events to contribute to the society,” Tamang said. Tamang also emphasised the need for awareness against drug abuse in schools, saying: “Drug abuse among school children, especially plus-two students, is very high.” “It is better to be aware through education rather than becoming aware through experience,” Tamang, who himself is a rehabilitated drug user, said.