The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) has raised concern over the growing complexity of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, urging government and stakeholders to strengthen coordinated, evidence-based responses to emerging substance-related threats.
In a statement to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, VALD said the evolving global drug landscape—driven by synthetic substances and new psychoactive drugs—requires urgent policy innovation and stronger prevention systems.
Signed by Executive Director Issah Ali, the statement noted that drug use continues to rise globally, with synthetic drug markets expanding rapidly and creating new public health and safety risks.
The organisation warned that West Africa is increasingly affected by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and dangerous drug mixtures, which are contributing to rising health, social and economic challenges, particularly among young people.
VALD said these developments highlight the need for stronger prevention frameworks, improved treatment services, and better coordinated responses to address both current and emerging drug-related threats.
The group stressed that effective drug control strategies must go beyond treatment alone and focus on prevention, recovery, and social reintegration as interconnected components of a comprehensive public health approach.
According to VALD, investing in prevention remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce drug-related harm while supporting sustainable development outcomes.
The organisation also called for young people to be actively involved in prevention efforts, rather than being viewed only as recipients of interventions. It further emphasised the role of families, schools, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society, the media and government institutions in building protective environments.
VALD urged stronger public education on the health, social and economic consequences of drug use, as well as improved access to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services, describing these as essential components of human rights protection.
The group further called for enhanced collaboration among state institutions and development partners to address the root causes of substance abuse through community-based education and youth empowerment initiatives.
It urged policymakers to prioritise prevention, invest in recovery systems and strengthen evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing drug-related harm while promoting health, social well-being and human rights.
VALD concluded that collective action is essential to building safer and more resilient communities capable of addressing the evolving global drug challenge.
