“Inspired by the alarming rate of people going into drug addiction and witnessing the stigmatization they face, I decided to do something about it,” says Dinah Lugard, the dedicated Electrical Engineer and cyber security expert who founded The Cure Initiative in 2020. Her NGO has been making significant strides in helping individuals struggling with addiction, providing rehabilitation programs and conducting drug abuse outreach initiatives, especially in secondary schools.

Reflecting on The Cure Initiative’s recent accomplishments, Dinah explains, “We made a documentary titled ‘Drug Pandemic’ that features a survivor’s story to raise awareness about addiction. We released it on June 26th, which is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”

Now, Dinah is working on the innovative SoberTech app, with a vision to help individuals struggling with addiction feel supported without the fear of stigma. “The app will be totally free, and it will help you in your sobriety journey regardless of the type of addiction you are facing. The goal is to provide the necessary help without any shame or judgment,” she says.

Despite the progress made, Dinah acknowledges the challenges ahead. “The only challenge I have faced is society shaming the sick, which is stigma. I wish the stigma could be reduced so that those struggling with drug addiction secretly can own up to getting the necessary help for rehabilitation,” she emphasizes.

Dinah’s ultimate accomplishment lies in witnessing the positive impact on former drug addicts. “Seeing a former drug addict become sober gives me a lot of joy, especially when they choose to remain sober. Sobriety is a difficult journey, and encouragement is crucial to prevent relapse,” she shares.

For Dinah Lugard, impossibility doesn’t exist. Her strong belief in leveraging technology to fight addiction has driven her to develop the SoberTech app. With her NGO’s achievements and the upcoming app, she is a beacon of hope for countless individuals, proving that technology can indeed be a powerful tool in combating addiction stigma and offering support on the path to recovery.
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