NOTES ON MIZORAM SOCIAL DEFENCE AND REHABILITATION BOARD FOR THE YEAR 2001-2002

Since its inception, the Mizo social defence and rehabilitation board (MSD&RB) has been working for the fulfillment of its aims and objectives. The activities of the MSD&RB up to Sept. 2002 are summarized below:

1. COMMITTEE: 
The MSD&RB convened as many as five Governing Body Meetings during the reporting year.

2. PUBLICATION: 
The MSD&RB had published the following books:

(a) Drugs: Enemy of the Mizos.
(b) Does Prohibition increase Drug Addiction in the State of Mizoram?
(c) Hand Book for counsellors.
(d) Guide Book for the Parents.

Since the booklets are meant for the people of Mizoram, they are written in Mizo. Further, the Manual on Minimum Standards of Services for the Programmes Under the Scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (drugs) Abuse has also been translated into Mizo for free circulation to all De-addiction Centres in the State.

3. AWARENESS EDUCATION: 
Along with the curative measures, the Board has been actively undertaking preventive works by organizing seminars, Consultations and Public Meetings in different parts of the State. Posters, Pamphlets and booklets are also distributed among the general public as part of preventive measures. Video films have been used to educate the youth and parents about the evil effects of drug abuse. During the awareness education campaigns preventive measures for AIDS has been empahsized as many of the AIDS patients are I.V. Drug users. The Board has conducted drug awareness campaign in 210 different schools in different part of the State during the current financial year.

4. The MSD&RB as a Regional Resource Training Centre has appointed one Coordinator and Facilitator. The RRTC has started conducting trainings to service providers in local language.

5. Dr. Lalnunthara, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joel L. Pautu, Executive Officer and Mr. Lallianzuala, Facilitator, RRTC, Mizoram had attended training of trainers at Shillong w.e.f. 15th Sept. 2002