This policy brief by the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) details regional drug use trends for 2023. Based on data from 11 countries, the brief reviews supply, consumption, treatment opportunities and counter-narcotics efforts. In a continuing trend, cannabis dominates the regional substance use data matrix, followed by medical opioids. However, alcohol use disorders are growing across multiple countries and, worryingly, more minors are getting caught in the toxic web of drug use.
Acknowledgements
This policy brief was made possible by the invaluable contributions of Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, and Dr Daniel Amankwaah, the Principal Programme Officer at the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division. Special appreciation goes to Mr Tosin Osasona, Dr Christian Ani, Grace Sewuese Orshio Esq., Dr Mohammed Hammed and all the WENDU Focal Points who contributed significantly to developing the policy brief.
Image: Adobestock
Download
