Kimberley: The Department of Social Development has called for stronger prevention, early intervention, and community action to address substance-related harm, as South Africa marked International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, this year's commemoration, observed annually on 31 August, was held under the global theme: '25 Years On. Still Needed', highlighting the continued impact of overdose on individuals, families, and communities. The event took place at Galeshewe Recreational Hall in Kimberley, uniting government stakeholders, communities, young people, service providers, and civil society partners to strengthen awareness and promote practical action around substance use and overdose.
The campaign, guided by the message 'Prevent. Recognise. Respond. Recover.', underscored the persistent challenge that overdose poses, necessitating sustained prevention, early intervention, access to appropriate services, and collective action across society. The Department emphasized that substance-use challenges require a coordinated response involving social development, health, law enforcement, education, municipalities, community organizations, families, and other stakeholders.
Government interventions currently include prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial and family support, community mobilization, and referrals to appropriate services. The Department of Social Development plays a key role in fortifying prevention and support interventions, while collaborating with partners across government and civil society to ensure that people and families affected by substance use can access the necessary assistance.
A particular focus of the national response is on young people and communities, with an emphasis on beginning prevention efforts early. The Department highlighted the need for young people to have supportive environments, positive alternatives, and access to information and services. Programs involving social workers, community-based organizations, youth initiatives, schools, and other stakeholders create opportunities to identify risks early, support affected individuals and families, and connect people to appropriate help.
International Overdose Awareness Day also served as a platform to address misinformation and stigma surrounding substance use. The Department stressed the importance of communities understanding the risks associated with substance use, recognizing potential warning signs, and knowing where to seek professional assistance. It advocated for treating those affected by substance use with dignity and compassion, moving away from judgment and towards support, early intervention, and recovery.
Families, educators, community leaders, young people, and community organizations were urged to create spaces for open and responsible discussions about substance-use challenges. Families, in particular, were called on to play an active role in prevention, recognizing the social, emotional, and economic consequences of substance use.
People concerned about their own substance use, or that of a family member or someone in their community, were encouraged to seek help from appropriate health and social development services. The Department advised approaching Department of Social Development offices, social workers, and recognized service providers for assessment, referral, and support, and obtaining emergency or clinical response information from qualified health professionals.
As the Department commemorated 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day, it called on all sectors of society to take responsibility for building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to discuss substance use and its risks with young people, while schools and educators were urged to enhance prevention and early identification efforts. Community and faith-based organizations were encouraged to support families and promote recovery, with young people urged to participate in positive prevention initiatives and support peers.
The Department reminded communities that the fight against substance-related harm is a collective responsibility, and International Overdose Awareness Day should be used as an opportunity to remember lives lost, strengthen prevention, encourage help-seeking, and support recovery journeys. 'Twenty-five years on. Awareness is still needed. Awareness creates understanding. Understanding strengthens prevention. Prevention can save lives,' the Department concluded.