The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is making strides to address the rising crisis of substance abuse in Africa by convening the 15th Biennial International Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Society in Africa. This event, co-hosted with the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA), took place in Abuja from October 9 to 10, 2024. It gathered prominent policymakers, researchers, and health professionals to enhance treatment access for substance use disorders (SUDs) and explore emerging trends in drug addiction across the continent.
In a keynote address, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, Principal Programme Officer at the Drug Prevention and Control Division of ECOWAS, represented Prof. Fatou Sarr Sow, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs. He emphasized the urgent need for regional collaboration in tackling the proliferation of new psychoactive substances, particularly ‘Kush.’ “ECOWAS is committed to strengthening its prevention and control frameworks to combat the drug abuse crisis that jeopardizes the socio-economic stability of our Member States,” he stated.
Prof. Isidore S. Obot, Executive Director of CRISA, underscored the importance of research-driven solutions in addressing the drug crisis, particularly for marginalized communities, including women and those in rural areas. “This conference aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, inspire policy innovation, and enhance collaborative efforts to improve access to treatment for substance use disorders across Africa,” he said.
Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, National Project Officer from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted the global challenges in reducing drug demand and emphasized the role of UNODC in supporting African governments through technical assistance and capacity building. “Our collaboration with member states is essential for implementing health-centered approaches to drug control,” he remarked.
Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of the Division for Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Crime Prevention at the African Union Commission (AUC), reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to assisting member states in developing robust national drug control strategies. “The AUC will continue working to ensure that every member state has access to the necessary resources and technical support to effectively combat the drug menace,” she stated.
Professor Jallal Toufiq, President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), provided a comprehensive overview of the global drug control system and the critical need to ensure access to controlled substances for legitimate medical and scientific purposes. He stressed the importance of balancing accessibility with the prevention of misuse, stating, “We must ensure that those in need can access vital medications while safeguarding societies from the harms of drug abuse.”
The conference featured dynamic plenary sessions and discussions on innovative harm-reduction strategies and expanding telehealth services. It will conclude tomorrow, October 10, 2024, with further sessions focused on practical policy recommendations. These discussions have emphasized the need for cooperative efforts in both research and policy to address the growing issue of drug abuse throughout the region.
As the sessions wrapped up today, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah reiterated ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to supporting member states in their efforts to enhance drug treatment services and combat illicit drug trafficking. He called for urgent action, declaring, “The fight against substance abuse requires a united front. ECOWAS will continue to partner with its member states and international organizations to implement effective solutions.”
The next biennial conference is scheduled for 2026, during which ECOWAS will present a detailed progress report on its support for drug treatment and rehabilitation centers across Member States.
