RAPAA on the offensive against drug abuse and illicit trafficking

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Extract from the article: Every 26 June, the world celebrates World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year's theme is "People First: Ending Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention". To mark the occasion, the NGO Recherche Action Prévention...

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Every 26 June, the world celebrates World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year's theme is "People First: Ending Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention". To mark the occasion, the NGO Recherche Action Prévention Accompagnement des Addictions (RAPAA) presented the activities carried out and planned as part of the celebrations to media professionals. This was done at a press conference held on Thursday 29 June 2023 in Lomé.

26 June is a crucial initiative aimed at raising public awareness and mobilising collective efforts to combat the global scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.  To better inform the general public and strengthen social mobilisation, the NGO RAPAA, which plays an active role in raising awareness of the problems associated with drug abuse, has carried out a series of activities in the field. The aim of these actions is to raise awareness of the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, providing evidence-based voluntary services for all, offering alternatives to repression, prioritising prevention and showing compassion. These actions also aim to combat stigmatisation and discrimination against people who use drugs by encouraging respectful, non-judgemental language and attitudes.

As part of the celebrations, the NGO RAPAA carried out various activities, including radio broadcasts on TVT, Pyramide FM and Nana Fm, from 26 June to 27 June 2023, with the effective support of the National Anti-Drug Committee (CNAD) and the National Programme against Addiction to Psychoactive Products (PNAPP). The organisation also carried out two actions targeting at-risk groups: raising awareness of the risks associated with substance use, in particular the risks of contamination by STIs, HIV-AIDS, hepatitis and other transmissible diseases, aimed at more than 200 drug users, sex workers and female porters in the Katanga district of Lomé. On 30 June 2023, the NGO also raised awareness among OLE motorbike taxi drivers. 

In her speech, the vice-president of the NGO RAPAA, Ms Akoura Kama Djonna, said: "This year's theme is a call to put people at the forefront of efforts to combat the stigmatisation and discrimination in all its forms suffered by drug users. This will help us to raise awareness and prevent new cases of substance abuse. We also need to work together to strengthen prevention policies, facilitate access to treatment and support people in recovery. By joining forces, we can make a real difference and build a better future".

By emphasising the importance of education and early awareness, RAPAA is committed to reaching young people and communities and equipping them with the knowledge they need to make informed choices and resist the influence of drugs.

Drug trafficking is a global scourge that is decimating many populations, especially young people. This is why the international community needs to be fully mobilised, especially through education, health care, treatment, reintegration, development aid and the fight against illicit production, trafficking and consumption.

Raymond DZAKPATA