Janet Samuel
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced a regional awareness campaign on drug abuse and mental health in Monrovia, Liberia.
The weeklong initiative, taking place from August 4 to 8, 2025, underscores the regional body’s commitment to addressing rising substance abuse and mental health challenges across West Africa.
The campaign follows similar successful outreach missions held in Conakry, Guinea, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, earlier in June. These efforts are part of a broader parliamentary strategy to promote public health and safeguard the well-being of the region’s youth.
Led by a delegation of ECOWAS Parliamentarians and supported by parliamentary staff, the initiative involves engagement with key national stakeholders, including government ministries, healthcare professionals, civil society groups, youth in recovery, and traditional authorities. Field visits to mental health and rehabilitation centers have also been scheduled.
“The alarming rise in drug addiction and mental health disorders in our region is a ticking time bomb,” said one member of the delegation. “This campaign is about raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our young people have access to the support they need.”
The campaign aligns with ECOWAS’s broader vision of a united, healthy, and resilient community, with special emphasis on youth empowerment and inclusive development.
