On 26 May 2023, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) co-organised an international forum – the Asia Pacific Forum Against Drugs (APFAD) 2023 – in collaboration with the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA).
The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mrs Josephine Teo.
To set the theme of the forum – “From Prevention to Aftercare – Integrated Community Action for a Drug-Free Society” – an opening video was screened, featuring three SANA Peer Leaders – persons-in-recovery who volunteer with SANA as anti-drug advocates – Mr Azahari, Mr David Chong and Mr Gopal Mahey, who spoke about their experiences with addiction and recovery, including the support they received from the community and elements of the throughcare approach which aided their rehabilitation and reintegration.
The video was followed by presentations from international and local speakers who addressed 3 key areas: prevention, in-care and aftercare; which make up the various stages of Singapore’s throughcare approach.
The keynote speaker for the forum was Mr Rogers Kasirye, Vice-president of the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) representing Africa and Executive Director of the Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL). His presentation touched on evidence-based prevention, recovery and reintegration interventions that can make a difference in the lives of populations at risk for substance use world-wide. Mr Kasirye was also invited by Singapore’s local media, ChannelNews Asia (CNA) to a live interview, where he shared about the challenges faced in drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts