WEST-AFRICAN SUBREGION - AN OVERVIEW OF SUBSTANCE-ABUSE PROBLEMS

The limited available data indicate that substances known to be abused in the west African subregion include alcohol, cannabis, psychotropic drugs, heroin, cocaine and other synthetic narcotic analgesics. The c urrent major concern is the increased trafficking in, and abuse of, he roin and cocaine. A disquieting trend is the report of the development of drug injecting, particularly among inaccessible populations of har d drug users. The health care system is beset with multiple problems, and may not be able to cope with an additional marked rise in the prev alence of HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne disorders arising from the rap id diffusion of drug injecting. Drug control strategy in the subregion hinges on a combination of supply control and demand reduction progra mmes. Although the demand reduction strategy is now being pursued with greater zeal, there is an urgent need to develop standard manuals and to evaluate the component programmes. The national coordinating bodie s need to be strengthened and the current subregional cooperative effo rts sustained. The assistance being provided by voluntary and internat ional organizations will continue to be vital to achieving the drug co ntrol goals of the subregion.