A new report from the West African Epidemiological Network on Drug Use (WENDU) reveals an alarming rise in drug use across West Africa, particularly among young people aged 15 to 44.
The report, released in September 2024, highlights a sharp increase in the consumption of cannabis, kush, and opioids.
Drawing from data across 11 countries, the study identifies cannabis as the most commonly consumed substance, accounting for 28% of treatment cases, followed by alcohol (11.78%) and pharmaceutical opioids (9.2%). The rise in the use of kush, a cannabis derivative mixed with synthetic substances, is particularly concerning in countries like Senegal, Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
In 2023, around 83,734 kg of drugs were seized in the region, with cannabis accounting for 90% of the total. However, this marks a significant drop from the 899,000 kg seized the previous year. Senegal played a crucial role in cocaine seizures, contributing 95% of the region’s total.
The report also notes that 73.4% of those receiving treatment for drug use disorders were between 15 and 44 years old. Around 22,000 individuals received treatment in 2023, but access to healthcare remains uneven, with rural areas lacking suitable treatment facilities.
In response, WENDU recommends expanding prevention programs, improving healthcare infrastructure—particularly for young people and women—and strengthening anti-drug trafficking measures. The report also advocates for alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
