Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Samaira Agarwal
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic: Substance Abuse
Country Ethiopia
School: Portage Central High School
Substance Abuse is the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse in Ethiopia has emerged as a critical public health issue, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the nation. The use of substances such as alcohol, khat, tobacco, and other illicit drugs has seen a troubling rise, particularly among young people, creating challenges that strain health services, weaken economic productivity, and increase social instability. Various factors contribute to this issue, including economic hardships, high unemployment rates, and limited access to mental health resources. Tackling this issue is vital to improving Ethiopia’s health, social well-being, and economic resilience.
On the global stage, the international community has made considerable efforts to combat substance abuse through frameworks and initiatives. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has provided technical assistance and implemented prevention strategies under the framework of the International Drug Control Conventions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, emphasize the need to strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotics and alcohol. Programs such as the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aim to integrate substance abuse treatment into primary healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Despite these efforts, Ethiopia continues to face challenges in implementing these frameworks due to limited resources, insufficient technical expertise, and a lack of robust public awareness campaigns.
Ethiopia has undertaken several national initiatives to address substance abuse. The country has integrated substance abuse management into its National Mental Health Strategy, prioritizing early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Legislation such as the Drug Control Proclamation No. 1112/2019 aims to regulate the production, distribution, and use of narcotics and psychotropic substances. In addition, Ethiopia has implemented public education campaigns targeting the harmful effects of khat and alcohol, which are widely consumed across the country. The government also collaborates with community-based organizations to provide support for addiction recovery. However, gaps persist in funding, infrastructure, and the implementation of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.
To effectively address substance abuse, Ethiopia proposes a multifaceted approach that combines national commitment with international collaboration. First, strengthening community-based awareness programs is crucial to educate the population, particularly youth, about the risks of substance abuse. These campaigns can be developed in partnership with schools, religious institutions, and civil society organizations. Second, Ethiopia calls for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure to expand access to treatment and rehabilitation services, with a focus on integrating these services into primary healthcare systems. This approach aligns with the WHO’s mhGAP framework. Third, Ethiopia advocates for the establishment of regional drug monitoring and prevention systems to address the growing problem of illicit drug trafficking in East Africa. partnerships with UNODC and Interpol will be essential to strengthen border security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.
Additionally, Ethiopia emphasizes the importance of alternative livelihoods for khat farmers to reduce dependence on this crop, which contributes to local substance abuse. International funding and technical assistance can support programs that encourage diversification into more sustainable agricultural practices. Finally, Ethiopia calls for the inclusion of mental health and substance abuse as a priority area in development assistance programs, ensuring that low-income countries receive the necessary resources to address these interconnected challenges.
Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to combating substance abuse through national and regional strategies and calls on the international community to support these efforts. By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and the root causes of substance abuse, Ethiopia aims to safeguard its population and promote healthier, more resilient communities.
