EThe Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revealed its plan to visit specialised treatment centres with the aim of assessing facilities and interacting with patients, including professionals involved in rehabilitation efforts.
This revelation was made during the launch of a regional awareness campaign addressing the rising concerns of drug abuse and mental health challenges across West Africa, scheduled to hold from 4 to 8 August.
A delegation comprising members of the ECOWAS Parliament, supported by parliamentary staff, will engage extensively with national stakeholders during the mission.
Those expected to participate include ministerial officials, healthcare practitioners, youths undergoing rehabilitation, civil society groups, and local government representatives.
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The statement noted, “A resilient and united West Africa cannot be achieved without addressing the mental and physical health challenges faced by our youth.”
According to ECOWAS, the campaign underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more resilient community, with particular focus on safeguarding the well-being of young people.
The initiative follows similar outreach campaigns held in Conakry, Guinea, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, earlier in June, reflecting the regional body’s sustained push to tackle substance abuse and its associated mental health impacts.
