Forms 3 to 7 students in schools are now learning about drugs, substance abuse, adolescent health and HIV/AIDS.

This is according to National Substance Abuse Advisory Council Director Misaele Driubalavu who said this has been introduced as part of the Curriculum by the Ministry of Education.

Also as World Drugs Day is being observed starting today the Director will be visiting 21 schools around Viti Levu, along with the Education Health Officer Josua Naisele and Education Officer HIV Laisenia Raloka.

The week long observance will have schools around the countries participate in different activities to promote abstinence on substance abuse.

Meanwhile according to the 2011 Schools Information Management System (SIMS) there was a total of 1,712 offence recorded from all nine Education Districts. 

Of this there were 54 marijuana cases, 369 kava and 268 alcohol consumption cases, 522 smoking cases and 212 inhalant cases, in addition to 215 sexual and 72 pregnancy cases.

The theme for this year's World Drugs Day celebration is Keep Me Safe From Abuse to Shine = The Best.

Story by: Gwen Mc Goon