Researchers predict that harm from substance use and rates of substance use disorders in sub-Saharan Africa will increase significantly in the next 30 years.

In order to have a well-functioning health system that works in harmony, the World Health Organization (WHO)describes the need for the following features:

• trained and motivated health workers,
• a well-maintained infrastructure
• a reliable supply of medicines and technologies,
• the backing of adequate funding with strong health plans and evidence-based policies.

This review shines the spotlight on Kenya with the aim to provide an...

This is the first report of the Pan-African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (PAENDU) and is based on available data for 2016 and 2017.

The report provides information on the methods used for data collection and presents data on drug demand reduction, especially treatment demand indicators, and also on law enforcement (arrests and seizures). 

The report is a summary of the information provided by focal points from the following nine (9) AUC project countries: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia; and six countries, with data from pre-existing...

Abstract

Background

The burden of substance use disorders in sub-Saharan Africa has been projected to increase by an estimated 130% by 2050. Despite this, little is known about the substance use disorder treatment and prevention systems in the region.

Objectives

The objective of this review is to describe the public sector substance use disorder treatment and prevention systems in Kenya guided by the World Health Organization health systems framework model, with the aim of informing decision-making.

Methods

We reviewed official government documents obtained from hand-searching the...

On entering the Decade of Action 2030, UNODC recognizes the need to increase efforts in Africa. UNODC proposes adopting a ‘business unusual’ approach in order to support Africa towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and priority goals of the African Union Agenda 2063. UNODC pledges to work with Africa to better address a significant number of issues critical for Africa’s stability, safety, security and health and to leave no one behind.

As communicated by Executive Director, Ms. Ghada Waly, during Africa Day in May 2020, UNODC is developing its Strategic Vision for Africa 2020...

In partnership with UNODC Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation section and the ‘Comite Interministeriel de Lutte Contre la drogue (CILD)” of Senegal, UNODC hosted a webinar training on ways to ensure a continuum of care and services to people who use drugs during the COVID19 pandemic.

Twenty three officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, CILD and various community based and civil society organizations in Senegal participated in a two hour long conversation during which experts from Senegal, France and Switzerland shared their experiences with maintaining treatment...