Battle Against Drug Abuse in West Africa

The West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) is a strategic ECOWAS project designed to improve the evidence-based policymaking by collecting data on drug demand and supply across the ECOWAS region and Mauritania. Through national focal points and surveillance sites, WENDU monitors drug use patterns, identifies emerging trends, and evaluates the effectiveness of regional interventions.

In her welcome address, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted that the 2024 WENDU Report marks a major stride in ensuring timely, data-driven policy interventions. Unlike previous editions, the new report covers all the 12 ECOWAS Member States and provides up-to-date data for 2024, accompanied by a policy brief and a peer-reviewed publication that deepen insights into the region’s evolving drug use trends.

She emphasized ECOWAS’ ongoing investment exceeding USD 1.4 million in drug treatment infrastructure and human capacity, noting that the Commission has financed rehabilitation centres in ten Member States, trained over 200 professionals under the Universal Treatment and Prevention Curricula, and supported the elaboration of National Drug Master Plans in 14 Member States and Mauritania.

In his statement at the launch, Mr. Demba Ceesay, Director General of The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), stressed The Gambia’s dedication to evidence-based strategies in tackling drug abuse and trafficking. He noted that the WENDU initiative has been instrumental in strengthening national responses through data-driven insights and ECOWAS-supported capacity building.

Mr. Ceesay highlighted the ongoing construction of The Gambia’s first specialised drug treatment and rehabilitation centre—a major achievement inspired by WENDU findings—and described it as a milestone in promoting rehabilitation over punishment. He urged all stakeholders to treat the WENDU Report as a regional compass for prevention, treatment, and reintegration, emphasising the need for compassion, collaboration, and proactive approaches to drug control.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Abdoulie Sanyang, Minister of Interior of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Abraham Mendy, Deputy Permanent Secretary, reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to regional and global cooperation in combating drug abuse, illicit trafficking, and transnational organized crime.

He emphasised that the WENDU Report represents a critical milestone in advancing evidence-based policies to address substance abuse, particularly among young people, and called on stakeholders to use its findings to guide policy and practice.

The Minister commended ECOWAS for its visionary leadership and expressed gratitude for its support in constructing The Gambia’s first-ever specialised drug treatment and rehabilitation centre, describing the initiative as a testament to shared efforts toward a safer, healthier, and drug-free West Africa.

While launching the Report, Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, Director of Health Services at The Gambia’s Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing public health responses to substance abuse and mental health challenges. He described the WENDU Report as both a mirror and a guide – revealing the realities of addiction while providing the data needed for action.

He urged stakeholders to adopt a compassionate, integrated, and evidence-based approach, ensuring that mental health and addiction treatment become core priorities in building a healthier, more resilient West Africa.

The 2024 WENDU Report represents the fifth edition of the regional analysis. It provides updated estimates and trends on drug use and the trafficking across West Africa. This data is critical for planning, programming, and advocacy.