The Executive Director of the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, former President of
Nigeria and current Chair of West African Commission on Drugs (WACD), President
Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman/Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade have called for increased attention to
health, drug abuse prevention and treatment in West Africa. This was disclosed
at the just concluded 57th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
(CND) held in Vienna with highlight on impact of drug consumption on
governance, security and development.
Mr. Fedotov said, "I would like
to stress particularly the need of strengthening public health in a
comprehensive, balanced, scientific evidence-based approach. There is urgent
need to address demand and facilitate quality treatment and rehabilitation
services".
President Obasanjo highlighted the
importance of stepping up actions to end drug-related user problems in the
region. In his words, "drugs pose a serious threat to peace and security
in West Africa. Organized crime syndicates use the region as a hub to transit
drugs to other parts of the world. This development calls for funding to be
more proportionately directed towards health, treatment and rehabilitation
services, which are lacking".
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade also canvassed
increased attention on health challenges of drug use. “We have observed the
huge health challenge resulting from both local drug production and influx of
drugs into West Africa. It is imperative for stakeholders to devote quality
attention to the attendant health problems of illicit drug use. This can be
addressed through improved funding, training of health care personnel and
establishment of Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres” Giade stated.
NDLEA Chairman added that
strengthening existing structures like WACD and West Africa Joint Operations
(WAJO) will enhance the unity and capacity of member nations in confronting
drug trafficking syndicates and ultimately prevent West Africa from being used
as a drug hub.
Mr. Fedotov observed that "the
trafficking of cocaine remains a serious challenge and there has been an
increase in the amount of heroin trafficked into the region, especially since
2010. Methamphetamine production in West Africa is rising while trafficking of
ephedrine is a matter of serious concern. Meanwhile, local drug use appears to
have intensified, this has become an issue for public health and safety, with
an attendant rise in the number of new HIV infections attributed to injecting
drug use".
WACD Commissioner Dr.
Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou also emphasized the health repercussions of
drugs in West Africa. “The region has historically been considered a transit
destination, indications show that consumption is climbing, particularly among
youth, as is the local production of drugs such as cannabis. With high levels
of poverty and unemployment, more jobs are also needed as young people in
particular might regard drug trafficking as an attractive income generating
opportunity” Dr. Mohammad-Mahmoud noted.
Resolutions passed by Member States
cover such touchstone drug policy issues as alternative development, substance
use disorders, new psychoactive substances, ensuring adequate services for drug
abusers and evidence-based drug use prevention.
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