WINDHOEK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- To curb the mounting abuse of drugs and alcohol amongst children in the country, the Namibian government is underway with the development of a rehabilitation centre for minors, said Juliet Kavetuna, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services on Monday.

Kavetuna made the remarks during a media conference held ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated on June 26.

Namibia does not have rehabilitation facilities for children under the age of 18, even though alcohol and drug abuse amongst children is rife, and a major social problem in Namibia, according to Kavetuna.

A health survey recently conducted by the Health Ministry revealed that nearly 48 percent of learners took drugs before the age of 14 while more than 50 percent consumed alcohol.

According to Kavetuna, the statistics are a call for help, and thus an immediate and multi-sectoral approach is required to address the problem.

"This has necessitated the need for development of a rehabilitation center. We are currently in the process of finalizing its development," Kavetuna said.

In the interim, Kavetuna called on parents and communities to detect symptoms of substance abuse and refer affected person promptly to get help.