A senior social worker in the Zambezi Region, Masiye Muyalapabbi is concerned about social ills caused by alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the region.

The situation is said to have contributed to a high number of youth contemplating and attempting suicide, as well as other worrying behavioural problems.

Muyalapabbi, the Senior Social Worker at the Katima Mulilo State Hospital, says it has become worrying to see young people experimenting with alcohol and drugs.

Muyalapabbi says this has led to severe long-term effects on their livelihoods, including mental health problems such as psychosis induced by drugs, school dropouts, low performance in school, teenage pregnancy and crime-related activities, amongst others.

Muyalapabbi reminded youth in the Zambezi Region in particular, and Namibia in general, that parents are doing everything in their power to ensure that their children have hope in the future.