The African Union Commission Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) organized the continental technical experts’ consultation on drug demand reduction from 06 – 07 November as a pre-consultation to the High Level Session on Addressing Substance Use and related Mental Health Disorders among Youth, Women and Children scheduled from 08 – 10 November 2023.

The consultation on drug demand reduction was strategically formulated to delve into the 2023 Pan-African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (PAENDU) report which aims to improve health security, and socio-economic well-being of Africans by addressing substance use and treatment. The 2023 PAENDU report is set to be launched during the high level session starting on 08 November 2023.

The experts’ consultation was officially opened by Mr. Nason Banda, Director General, Drug Enforcement Commission, Republic of Zambia. Mr. Banda, shared some of the comprehensive findings of the Zambia Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (ZENDU), as a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Zambia Drug Enforcement Commission and its various stakeholders. The ZENDU study gathered data from multiple sources, including records from drug and alcohol treatment demand centers, psychiatric and mental health hospital records, etc. ‘’We are collectively failing in our efforts to prevent drug use and provide treatment. It is only by working together that we can find practical solutions and forge partnerships, leverage resources, and mobilize the necessary political will to make a tangible difference in the lives of our youth, women, and children. If we do not address the drug problem, we will not reap the demographic dividend that Africa aspires through the AU Agenda 2063, “underscored Director General Banda.

Ms. Angela Martins, Ag. Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport of the African Union Commission, asserted that “While efforts to combat drug trafficking and supply are undeniably important, we acknowledge that addressing the demand side of the equation is equally critical. By focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration, we can break the vicious cycle of drug use and dependency, and create healthier and more resilient communities’’. She underscored the significance of the consultation as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among experts, policymakers, civil society, and stakeholders recognizing that no single country can effectively tackle the drug menace alone, but by developing comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and consequences of drug use through collective action and international cooperation.

Mr. Brian Morales, Branch Chief, Counternarcotic, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau (INL), US Department of State indicated that ‘’People get into drugs for many reasons: Maybe they are with the wrong group of friends; maybe they experience some trauma and find this is one way to forget; maybe they grow up in a family where there is neglect or parents use drugs. The three most common reasons. Illicit drug trafficking, substance dependency, and related criminal activities have far-reaching consequences that undermine our efforts towards achievement of sustainable peace, security, and prosperity. We need strong families, safe schools, and healthy communities. And it begins with us – your ministries and the AU support.  The U.S. is proud to support your efforts and partner on Drug Demand Reduction initiatives because when it comes to children, we care about your children as we care for our own,’’ said the Branch Chief.  

The experts’ consultation was marked with presentations of member states reports on treatment, illicit drug seizures, drug control legislation, policies and strategies as well as awareness of emerging threats in new psychoactive substances, opioids, and related synthetic drugs; among others, which led the course of the sessions bringing up productive interventions from all participants.

AU member states, AUC staff, development partners and representatives of international organizations expressed their commitment to identifying new responses to jointly work towards drug demand reduction in Africa. The consultation was attended by nominated focal points from law enforcement agencies of AU member states, INTERPOL, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP) and traditional leaders.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Olubusayo Akinola I Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Division | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251946692120 | E-mail: Akinolao@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dr. Abel Basutu | Senior Drug Control Programme Officer | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | Email: BasutuA@africa-union.org |Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

King David Cartey | Strategic Communication Expert | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development |African Union Commission | Email: CarteyD@africa-union.org |Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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