From August 4 to 8, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament will launch an awareness campaign on drug abuse and mental health in Monrovia, Liberia. This initiative seeks to address the increasing challenges posed by substance abuse and mental health issues across West Africa.
Building on previous campaigns held in Conakry, Guinea, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, in June 2025, this campaign aims to engage national authorities, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations in meaningful discussions about the critical issues related to mental health and substance use.
The Monrovia campaign will focus on raising awareness among stakeholders about the escalating challenges in these areas and fostering collaboration to combat them. Key participants will include ministerial representatives, healthcare experts, individuals in recovery, civil society groups, and local authorities.
As part of the campaign, the ECOWAS delegation will undertake field visits to specialized treatment centers to better understand the challenges faced by individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health disorders. These visits will facilitate meetings with national stakeholders to explore potential strategies and solutions for addressing these pressing issues.
This awareness campaign aligns with ECOWAS’s broader objectives of promoting people-centered regional governance and safeguarding vulnerable populations. By fostering cooperation and engagement with national stakeholders, the ECOWAS Parliament aims to develop effective strategies to combat substance abuse and mental health disorders in the region.
Through this initiative, the Parliament seeks to promote greater awareness and enhance regional collaboration in tackling substance use and mental health challenges, ultimately aiming to identify and implement solutions tailored to the needs of West African countries.
