The Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association (MANA) was formed in Yankin Township, Yangon Division, on 26 June 1994, the International Day Against Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Trafficking.
Now, the association has been shifted to No 101/ 102, Building No 3, Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road, Mayangon Township, and carries out movements with the formation registration No 1770.
The association is now in pursuit of its objectives:—
- to contribute towards the 15-year plan the government is implementing for elimination of dangers of drug abuse and addiction,
- to participate in the drive for prevention of HIV spread among drug addicts who abuse narcotic drugs through injection,
- to cooperate not only with local organizations but also with international organizations in realizing the objectives,
- to share research findings with other organizations for collaboration.
Since its birth, the association has been carrying out the following tasks:
- organizing exhibitions and competitions on dangers of narcotic drugs,
- constantly giving educative talks on narcotic drugs o students,
- raising public awareness about dangers of narcotic drugs,
- taking preventive measures against HIV spread related to abuse of narcotic drugs.
In doing so, the association is mobilizing the participation of local service personnel, congenial organizations, and international organizations within the framework of the policy.
With the sponsorship of an organization and permission of the Ministry of Education, the association launched a campaign to give educative talks to students. In the process, it conducted a course on the danger of abuse of narcotic drugs for teachers. The teachers who had completed the course then organized multiplier courses for the students. Its campaigns include HIV/ AIDS preventive measures, distribution of pamphlets on dangers of narcotic drugs and setting up educative billboards.
The association is constantly taking preventive measures against drug abuse among students.
With the permission of local authorities and sponsorship of some organizations, it is constantly opening courses on prevention of HIV/AIDS for the youths who often go to the neigbouring countries.
Moreover, dealing with international antinarcotics organizations, it is taking measures extensively to combat narcotic drugs such as attending seminars, participating in the discussions, making suggestions, and exchanging views. And it takes and applies experiences and knowledge that are suitable for the nation.
The association is now implementing plans to give educative talks to the people and the youth for prevention of drug addition. It applies local and international treatment methods to make contribution towards the plans the government is implementing.
The association, mobilizing the participation of township, state and division level associations and collaborating with departments, takes part in the drive in the regions that the government’s plans do not cover fully as well as in the regions that need immediate assistance.
Now, the MANA has formed its branches at state and division and township levels systematically and is pursuing its objectives. The association welcomes those who want to join it with national awareness and national outlook, who are interested in social welfare tasks, and antinarcotics campaigns. The association has implemented these functions and will expedite them in future. Now, the association has been reconstituted with members of the Central Committee and Central Executive Committee members who are well experienced and capable of carrying out tasks in accordance with its constitution. At the same time, it is stepping up tasks for organizing more branches at state and division and township levels.
The ninth annual meeting of the Myanmar Anti- Narcotics Association will be held at its head office on Kyundaw Street in Kamayut Township, Yangon Division, on 19 December 2007.