The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has organised a three-day workshop in Abuja to validate data from the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU).

In a statement on Thursday, ECOWAS said the workshop, held from April 23 to 25, aimed to foster enhanced cooperation, improve data quality and accessibility, and empower the bloc to formulate informed policies to address the supply and demand of drugs in member states, particularly Sierra Leone. 

Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency due to the widespread use of a drug called Kush. 

“The discussions and outcomes from this workshop are anticipated to significantly influence future actions and strengthen cooperation among member states, leading to more effective management of drug abuse and its associated challenges across the region,” ECOWAS stated.

In her inaugural address, Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, emphasised the bloc’s dedication to monitoring and supporting Sierra Leone to curb the menace.

Ms Sarr, represented by the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, highlighted the broader regional context and the specific situation in Sierra Leone. 

“While our focus today is on strengthening our entire region’s capacity to manage drug-related issues, we are particularly attentive to the acute challenges faced by Sierra Leone,” said the commissioner.

She added, “We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to mobilising targeted support as part of our regional strategy.”

On his part, Nigeria’s health minister Muhammed Pate, represented by Wosilat Abdulhameed, the head of the narcotics and drug abuse division at the Federal Ministry of Health, reiterated the workshop’s timely nature. 

He emphasised the workshop’s dual focus on advancing data analysis capabilities and expressing solidarity with Sierra Leone. 

“Our meeting today not only seeks to advance our capabilities in data analysis and policy formulation but also to reinforce our solidarity with Sierra Leone at this critical time,” stated Mr Pate.

The minister noted that this was crucial for developing effective policies and strategies to combat drug abuse regionally.