Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Senegal
Delegate Name: Molly Delp
Country: Senegal
Committee: ECOSOC: WHO
Topic: Substance Abuse
Delegate: Molly Delp
School: Williamston High School
Substance abuse is a very serious issue that leads to over 600,000 deaths annually. In addition, nearly 40 million people are affected by a drug use disorder, and an estimated ⅔ of these people are males. Besides drugs, substance abuse still remains a very serious issue due to alcohol, injectables, prescription medications, opiates, inhalants, and many more things. Substance Use Disorder is the spread of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis C, and affects people who repeat substance use. There are drugs to prevent overdose deaths, but they are very limited in developed nations, and almost nonexistent in developing nations. The UN has previously called on governments to strengthen treatment options for substance abuse, as immediate action is required to prevent the issue from further spiraling.
Senegal takes the issue of substance abuse very seriously mainly due to illegal drug traffickers moving illegal drugs through Senegal. Senegal and its neighbors in West Africa have become a transit route for cocaine and other drugs coming from Latin America into Europe. In 2008, Senegal legislation adopted a new law that declared the punishment for drug trafficking will be increased from 10 to 20 years of hard labor. Senegal did a national school survey, and found that 27% of 15-16 year olds use at least one type of substance. The Senegalese Navy seizes very large amounts of drugs in Senegal on a regular basis. In 2022, 3,232 pounds of cocaine was seized in Senegal, and that amount is only increasing. The government of Senegal has recognized the seriousness of substance abuse and drug trafficking, and they are looking to implement a new National Strategic Plan on Drug Control that covers the period of 2021-2025. So far, Senegal has held two workshops for this plan. This new plan has been developed to guard the vision of a drug-free society for sustainable development in Senegal. The Strategic Plan addresses four main points which are a) strengthen the legal and institutional framework to address drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, b) strengthen the capacity of actors, c)reduce drug supply and demand, and d) improve communication on the national drug control system.
Senegal would propose to resolve this issue by further amending and implementing the new National Strategic Plan on Drug Control. Senegal wishes to decrease substance abuse, and the large amount of drug trafficking through the country. Senegal expects to find allies in other countries with high drug trafficking rates such as those in West Africa. Senegal also expects to find allies in the United States and other countries in the African Union.
