Indian Academy of Paediatrics set to campaign against sexual atrocities, drug abuse

Kochi: In view of the increasing cases of substance abuse among children and instances of sexual atrocities against girls, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kerala chapter will introduce three major programmes to create awareness. The awareness programmes, will be coordinated by more than 2500 doctors from 14 districts, who are IAP members. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Dr. M.N Venkiteswaran, state president of the IAP Kerala chapter, said that a short film on substance abuse named ‘blooming buds’ would be shown in all schools for students, teachers and parents.

“Apart from this, training on basic life support will be given to selected students from higher secondary classes and colleges. A specially trained team of doctors will visit all districts to provide training,” he said. “IAP is also committed to equip children, both physically and emotionally to avoid and resist sexual abuse. The increasing cases of sexual atrocities against children in the state are a major concern. Last year as many as 8,800 children in the age group of 5 to 15 were subjected to sexual abuse. Among them in 488 cases, the victims were molested by their relatives,” added Dr. Venkiteswaran.