Nigeria Intensifies Fight Against Drug Misuse, Protects Access to Essential Medicines – WHO , Abuja – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Nigeria is stepping up efforts to combat the growing challenge of drug misuse while ensuring that patients requiring controlled medicines for pain relief, mental health treatment and palliative care continue to receive safe and timely access.
The WHO disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday following the National Drug Use Summit, which convened government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and health experts to strengthen the country’s response to substance abuse.
According to the organisation, the summit served as a platform for stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies to address drug misuse through improved prevention, treatment and regulatory measures.WHO noted that the initiative also seeks to strike a balance between preventing the abuse of controlled substances and guaranteeing their availability for legitimate medical purposes, particularly for patients with chronic pain, mental health conditions and those requiring palliative care.The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria with evidence-based interventions and technical assistance aimed at reducing substance abuse while safeguarding access to essential controlled medicines across the country’s healthcare system.Participants at the summit underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies and development partners to tackle the rising burden of drug misuse and its impact on public health and national development.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.