Pretoria - The North West Department of Health and Social Development has responded to a number of local and international research studies that have found South Africa is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of young people falling prey to substance abuse.
The department has embarked on a massive substance abuse prevention campaign in four of the provincial districts.
The campaign - which will run from 11 to 15 October in the Bojanala, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts - forms part of Social Development Month.
During the week-long campaign, department officials will participate in a door-to-door campaign providing information to the youth and the wider community on substance abuse.
"The focus of the campaign will be broader than illegal or illicit substances, it will include those perceived to be less dangerous, such as tobacco and alcohol," said department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane.
During the campaign, the youth will be encouraged to participate in anti drug structures, stimulate debate and understanding on substance abuse, encourage positive behavior and healthy lifestyle, increase knowledge of the dangers of drug use and abuse and associated risks.
The campaign will culminate in a provincial summit to take place at Zeerust on 11 November.
The summit will map out a plan for the national Biennial summit which will be held in Durban from 08 to 10 December 2010.
