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By using the benefits of mobile apps, campaigns against drug abuse and illegal trafficking can reach a bigger audience, give users valuable resources, keep them interested, and give people the power to take action to prevent and fight these problems.
In honour of the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Philippines Department of Health (DoH) released the “Lusog Isip” mobile app to help people who use drugs.
The DoH set up programmes like drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centres, increased training for people who work in recovery, and drug rehabilitation programmes and services in the country that are evidence-based.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the mobile app is a digital tool that helps with mental health and drug abuse through technology-based treatments.
The said app is a community-based, open-to-all tool for drug rehabilitation that is in line with the Secretary’s Eight-Point Action Agenda and is called “Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin.” The mobile app is a vital tool for getting better access to important services that could save lives.
In line with the Universal Health Care Law, the launch of the “Lusog-Isip App 2.0” and the “Lusog Isip Kabataan Education (LIKE)” is a good thing, according to DoH.
The health chief said that the DoH will actively work with USAID and other national agencies like the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, and other organisations and sectors to protect every Filipino from the dangers of drug abuse and to promote a healthy and sustainable way of life.
The Philippines agreed that mobile apps can be used all over the world and can reach many people no matter where they are. This lets awareness campaigns reach a lot of people, even those in remote places who might not have access to traditional ways of spreading information.
Smartphone users can easily download mobile apps, which makes it easy for people to get information, tools, and help about preventing drug abuse and illegal trafficking. The app can be used anywhere and at any time, giving users access to educational materials, helpline numbers, treatment resources, and ways to avoid problems.
Besides, mobile apps can give users personalised material based on their likes, needs, and demographics. This makes it possible for people to get knowledge and resources that are relevant to their situations, which makes awareness campaigns more effective.
Users can get updates and messages in real time, which keeps them up to date on the latest news, events, and resources related to drug abuse and illegal trafficking. This information can help people stay alert, spot warning signs, and take the steps they need to avoid or solve these problems.
Users can share awareness information, success stories, or support resources with their social networks by adding social sharing features to their mobile apps. This helps get the word out in a natural way and gets the community involved in the fight against drug abuse and illegal trade.
Also, the DoH started “Biyaheng Kalusugan,” a national programme that celebrates different health events through fun and engaging health education activities, to spread the holiday spirit of living a healthy life to all parts of the country.
“Biyaheng Kalusugan” is part of the Healthy Pilipinas programme to help Filipinos learn more about health and practice the Seven (7) Healthy Habits such as:
- Move more, eat right;
- Be clean, live sustainably;
- Get vaccinated;
- Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, say no to drugs;
- Care for yourself, care for others;
- Practice safe sex;
- Do no harm, put safety first.