Health Ministry urges Media to Advocate for public health centred Drug Control Framework

In a call for a more compassionate and effective approach to drug control the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike urged Media to Advocate for a Public Health-Centered Drug Control Framework in Nigeria.

 

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Dr. Anyaike made the call during a one-day media sensitization organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with YouthRISE Nigeria in Abuja the nation’s capital with the theme “Understanding Public Health Approach to Drug Control: The Need for a Public Health-Centered Legal Framework.

The event aimed to educate media professionals on the urgent need to address Nigeria’s drug use epidemic through a public health lens, rather than castigatory measures.

Speaking on behalf of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, Dr. Anyaike highlighted the growing drug use crisis in Nigeria, with a national prevalence rate of 14.4% equivalent to 14.3 million people aged 15-64. “Drug use has become a pressing health issue, he said.

“More than 40% of high-risk drug users desire treatment but cannot access it,” Dr. Anyaike noted, emphasizing that the current legal framework skews toward controlling drug supply rather than supporting affected individuals.

Dr. Anyaike also shed light on the social impact of Nigeria’s drug epidemic, noting that 3.5 million women are estimated to be drug users, with nearly 3 million Nigerians living with drug use disorders.

He warned that neglecting a health-based response has led to a spike in public health crises, including HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis among people who inject drugs.

“A recent report showed an alarming rise in HIV prevalence among injecting drug users, from 3.4% in 2014 to 10% in 2020”. He added.

The Director called for alignment with international treaties and frameworks, such as the United Nations’ 2016 General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem and the 2009 Commission on Narcotic Drugs’ Political Declaration and Plan of Action.

He stressed that these commitments advocate for a balanced, evidence-based response that incorporates prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and access to controlled medicines.

According to Dr. Anyaike, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a public health-centered approach with five key components: prevention of drug use and addressing vulnerabilities, treatment and care for those with drug use disorders, harm reduction for drug users, access to controlled medicines, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems.

“This comprehensive approach is essential for Nigeria to effectively address the drug crisis and reduce its impact on public health”. He stated.

Dr. Anyaike urged media professionals to use their platforms to advocate for a reformed drug control strategy that prioritizes health over punishment. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its drug use challenges if stakeholders worked together to implement an integrated, balanced response focused on public health principles.

 

 

Dr. Anyaike reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to this cause and encouraged participants to engage in dialogue that would ultimately support a healthier, more inclusive Nigeria.

The Executive Director of YouthRISE Nigeria, Oluwafisayo Alao underscored the importance of a health-focused framework in addressing substance use, emphasizing that Nigeria’s current approach has profound implications for millions of lives.

“This workshop marks an essential step in our journey towards building a compassionate, effective response grounded in public health principles,” she stated, adding that prioritizing health over punitive measures could better safeguard the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Alao encouraged the media to amplify the human aspects of substance use and advocate for reforms that prioritize care, understanding, and the reduction of stigma.

 

Through discussions and interactive segments, the workshop aimed to equip journalists with insights and tools to convey the complex realities surrounding drug use, inspiring more balanced and humane storytelling.

“Your role in telling these stories from an accurate public health perspective is critical,” Alao remarked, calling on participants to join efforts toward a narrative that recognizes substance use as a health issue rather than a criminal one.

The event underscored the need for a comprehensive legal framework that aligns drug policy with public health priorities. YouthRISE Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health are optimistic that this initiative will forge new partnerships among media professionals and advocates, creating a powerful network committed to policy transformation.

Alao expressed gratitude for the partnership and support received, looking forward to the valuable insights and relationships that would emerge from the day’s activities. The workshop, she noted, is a vital step toward building a future where drug policies in Nigeria uphold the values of compassion, health, and social well-being.

A consultant with YouthRISE Nigeria, Pharm. Nonso Maduka, called for a health-centered legal framework to address Nigeria’s growing drug epidemic stressing that current drug laws focus too heavily on criminalizing drug use, neglecting prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures critical for a balanced response.

“Without a supportive legal framework, the health sector lacks the tools to address these issues effectively, particularly in areas like rehabilitation and controlled medication access for patients needing palliative care.

Maduka added that a new framework would empower states to implement local health-based interventions, engaging communities more directly in drug control.

This shift, he argued, would reduce drug use and harm, increase recovery rates, and lead Nigeria toward a healthier future.