The World Health Organisation has expressed support for Nigeria’s renewed efforts to tackle drug abuse while ensuring that patients who genuinely need controlled medicines for pain management, mental health treatment and palliative care can continue to obtain them safely.
The organisation disclosed this after the National Drug Use Summit held on Thursday, describing the gathering as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s response to substance abuse through collaboration among key stakeholders.
According to the WHO, the summit brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the United Nations in Nigeria, development partners, civil society organisations, security agencies and health professionals to advance the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.
The agency noted that drug abuse remains a serious public health issue in Nigeria, especially among young people, with opioids such as tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and other prescription drugs frequently misused. It added that the problem has also contributed to mental health challenges, insecurity and other social concerns.
“Nigeria is taking bold national action to protect young people and communities from drug misuse while ensuring safe access to the essential medicines needed for pain relief, mental health care, and palliative care.
“The National Drug Use Summit, convened by the FMoHSW, NDLEA, and UN Nigeria with support from partners including The Global Fund, brought together government leaders, security agencies, civil society, and health experts to advance the National Drug Control Master Plan,” the statement partly read.
WHO said it contributed technical expertise at the summit to help ensure that measures aimed at curbing drug misuse do not restrict access to essential medicines for patients with legitimate medical needs.
Citing findings from the 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey, the organisation said 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 used drugs within a one-year period, with the misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup and prescription sedatives continuing to affect many communities.
“Drug misuse remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of Nigerians. The 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey found that 14.4% of people aged 15 to 64 used drugs in the past year, with rising misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup, and prescription sedatives continuing to impact young people and communities.
“WHO Nigeria supported the Summit with evidence-based guidance on balancing drug control with safe access to controlled medicines. This work strengthens regulatory systems, protects medical access, and reduces the risk of diversion and misuse,” WHO stated.
The organisation added that participants endorsed a communiqué at the end of the summit to strengthen the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan across the country.
“A key outcome of the Summit was a Communique endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan,” the WHO added.