A new report by the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) reveals a concerning rise in drug use across West Africa, with over 83,000 kilograms of drugs and 31,000 tablets/capsules seized in 2023 alone.
The WENDU report expressed particular concern over the increasing involvement of minors in drug use, calling for the immediate implementation of comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs across all educational levels.
The report also emphasized the need for women-focused rehabilitation centers, given the rising prevalence of substance abuse among women and their limited access to treatment opportunities.
"We cannot leave family and friends to continue to be the main bearers of the burden of drug abuse and the cost of SUDs (substance use disorder) among individuals," said Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. "SUDs demand a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder response."
The report acknowledged the challenges posed by West Africa's geographic location and porous borders, which make the region a key transit hub for drug trafficking.
"West Africa’s geographic location and porous borders make it a key transit hub for drug trafficking," said Esther Grant, Director of Operations at Liberia's Ministry of Health. "The ability of states to monitor and control these borders is often limited by resources and capacity."
Finally, the report called for region-wide adoption of the Alternative to Incarceration program introduced by ECOWAS and for a more evidence-based approach to addressing the region's cannabis problem.