The 2023 West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) Report, focusing on statistics and trends in illicit drug supply and use, was officially launched on September 11, 2024, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event was held in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person participants.
The launch aimed to achieve two main objectives. Firstly, it sought to present and discuss the key findings of the 2023 report, which highlights data and trends concerning drug use and illicit drug supply across West Africa. Secondly, the meeting aimed to analyze findings and recommendations from the Policy Brief. This analysis intends to provide ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania with actionable insights to tackle challenges related to drug demand, trafficking, and the spread of illicit substances. The goal is to strengthen regional responses to these issues, thereby improving public health, security, and cooperation.
Dr. Daniel Amankwaah from the ECOWAS Commission acknowledged WENDU’s progress in providing timely data by covering a single year in this report. He expressed gratitude for support from the European Union and ENACT-Africa in developing the Policy Brief titled “Soaring Addiction, Lagging Response: West Africa’s Creeping Drug Epidemic.” The report underscores new drugs’ threats like Kush that have led to public health emergencies in several ECOWAS Member States.
Mr. Gerald Hatler from the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone emphasized substance abuse’s severe threat to global workforces during his opening remarks. He highlighted WENDU’s evidence-based analysis as crucial for effective prevention and mitigation efforts.
Chief Andrew Jaiah KaiKai of Sierra Leone’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency delivered a keynote address welcoming attendees on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio. He stressed that launching the 2023 WENDU Report is a call to action for continuing efforts towards a drug-free future in West Africa.
Downloads of the report are available in English and French versions.
