396
By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a bid to tackle the growing crisis of drug abuse and mental health disorders across West Africa, the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a high-level awareness campaign in Monrovia, Liberia.
Running from August 4 to 8, 2025, the initiative marks the latest phase of a regional sensitization drive that previously made stops in Conakry, Guinea, and Freetown, Sierra Leone in June.
The campaign seeks to draw national attention to the alarming rise in substance abuse and related mental health challenges, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations across the region.
Led by a delegation of ECOWAS parliamentarians and supported by parliamentary staff, the Monrovia mission includes active engagements with key national stakeholders such as government ministries, health professionals, civil society groups, local authorities, and recovering youths. The delegation is also conducting field visits to drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in the Liberian capital.
“This is not just about awareness—it is about action. We are here to listen, learn, and work collaboratively with national actors to develop sustainable responses to these twin challenges of addiction and mental health,” said a member of the ECOWAS delegation.
The ECOWAS Parliament emphasized that the campaign is part of a wider effort to build a healthier, more resilient West African community, one that safeguards the well-being and future of its young people.
As drug abuse continues to threaten the social and economic stability of many West African societies, ECOWAS has pledged to sustain the momentum of cross-border coordination to enhance support systems, education, and treatment infrastructure throughout the region.
“We remain committed to strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that no country is left behind in the fight against substance abuse and mental health neglect,” the statement concluded.