The National Drug Agency (NDA) has prepared to launch a rehabilitation programme in Noonu Atoll, in collaboration with Noonu Atoll Council. The programme aims to treat individuals using drugs and reunite them with the society as a new person. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pertaining to the programme was signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDA Mohamed Raashid, who currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, and the President of Noonu Atoll Council Mohamed Basheer.
The MoU focuses on treating drug addicts, reduce the number of drug addicts, while ensuring that such individuals are reunited with the society as a better person. Under the programme, NDA will identify the extent of drug issue in the atoll and conduct a Need and Readiness Assessment to collect information regarding the most effective treatment measures. Following the assessment, a pilot programme will be held for six months, in one of the islands of the atolls. The physical and mental health treatment will be provided under this programme, and a special system will be established for individuals interested in undertaking the rehabilitation programme, to register.
Furthermore, a volunteer team will be created and trained, to conduct the programme, according to the agreement. Additionally, a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be formulated and implemented to analyse the benefits and impacts of the programme, ensuring the primary objective of the programme is achieved. Works pertaining to the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be done by the NDA.