Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I will reply to this question on behalf of the substantive Minister. I would like to thank the hon. Member for this question. I am informed that the number of adolescents admitted to public health institutions for drug-related health conditions over the past five years is as follows – • 2021 – 117 admissions; • 2022 – 97 admissions; • 2023 – 126 admissions; • 2024 – 139 admissions; • 2025 – 173 admissions. These figures indicate a concerning upward trend in recent years, warranting sustained attention and targeted intervention. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to the assessment of drug addiction among adolescents, I am informed that a national study was conducted in 2023 by the Ministry entitled, 'Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour on HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse among Adolescents aged 15 to 17 in Mauritius and Rodrigues'. The study based on a representative sample of 400 school adolescents revealed the following key findings – (i) approximately 98% of respondents perceived drug addiction as a significant problem among adolescents; (ii) cannabis was identified as the most commonly used substance; (iii) the study underscored the need for further in-depth and continuous research, particularly in relation to emerging synthetic drugs. In response to these findings and evolving trends, I am further informed that the National Agency for Drug Control is envisaging a comprehensive study entitled, 'Prevalence of Determinants of Synthetic Drug Use among Secondary School Students in Mauritius'. This initiative aims at generating evidence-based data specific to the local context, identifying risk factors and behavioural patterns associated with drug use, and supporting the design of targeted data-driven interventions to address substance abuse among adolescents. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in parallel, several preventive and intersectoral measures are being implemented and strengthened, including – (i) Capacity building in schools. Since March 2026, a School Leadership Training Programme has been initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, targeting rectors and educators. This programme focuses on early identification, prevention strategies and understanding evolving patterns of drug use among adolescents. (ii) Recognising that prevention is most effective at an early age, early childhood intervention programmes are being developed to build resilience, life skills and protective factors before the age of 12. (iii) Lastly, multisectoral collaboration, enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations are being pursued to promote structured and meaningful activities for young people, promote healthy lifestyles and social engagement, and reduce vulnerability to substance abuse through holistic youth development programmes. And in conclusion, the Ministry of Health and Wellness remains fully committed to strengthening surveillance, prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation strategies to effectively address drug-related health conditions among adolescents. Currently, the Ministry has one residential rehabilitation centre for male adolescents at Long Mountain, one for female patients, including adolescents of Beau Bassin and there is one additional rehabilitation centre which will become operational in the coming weeks at Flacq. The approach being adopted is comprehensive, evidence-based and anchored in strong intersectoral collaboration to safeguard the health and future of our youth. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

No supplementary. Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/739, B/767, B/770, B/777. The hon. Third Member for Rodrigues! MAURITIUS & RODRIGUES – NATIONAL SPORTS FACILITIES – REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS – HOMOLOGATION