Participants after the summit. Photo: WHO
Nigeria has intensified efforts to tackle the growing challenge of drug misuse while ensuring that patients who require controlled medicines for pain relief, mental health treatment and palliative care continue to get safe and timely access to them, the World Health Organisation has said.
WHO disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday following the National Drug Use Summit, which brought together government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and health experts to strengthen the country’s response to substance abuse.
Drug abuse has remained a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among young people, with authorities repeatedly warning about the widespread misuse of opioids such as tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and other prescription medicines.
Beyond the health consequences, the problem has also been linked to rising cases of insecurity, mental health disorders, violence and other social challenges across the country.
