Drug addiction is a global problem
A WOMAN living on the streets begs to a stranger to buy her baby a tin of milk formula. Less than two minutes later, she has been to the service station where it was purchased and received a refund. It enables her to buy drugs and the baby goes hungry.
It’s a heart-breaking scenario that could happen anywhere in the world to drug-addicted parents and their offspring. And while it’s good for Australians to look after their own, local humanitarian Amelia Prince says that help is needed overseas too.
“It is sad that aid organisations are now having to think of new programs to deal with drug addiction,” she said.
“I think Australian dollars should still go overseas, because in Australia, there’s lots of education available and we are more stable.”
After a recent trip to Cambodia as a volunteer in a health promotion program, Amelia has seen first-hand how widespread the issue has become.
“Drugs are an issue even in rural and remote areas and it’s on it’s just going to be a bigger problem.”
Amelia doesn’t see giving money to other nations as being detrimental to Australians.
“It’s not about losing money, it’s about other countries going through things that we can help with.
“I’ve always believed in giving money to third world countries but when you see (how such donations can help) first-hand, it rince, icture earlier this happy local melia families SUPPLIED. makes a big difference
“It was very confronting to see women doping their babies and mums returning formula for drugs – there’s a lot of drug abuse.”
Amelia hopes to see the nation continue funding overseas programs and also plans to keep doing her part for foreign aid.
“I am already saving for another trip, possibly to Nepal or Vietnam,” she said.