Sub-Saharan Africa

Publications2 December 2023

Frictions in drug control: prescription opioids, prohibition and consumption cultures in Africa

Nelson and Dumbili introduce a special issue of 'Drugs, Habits and Social Policy' that sheds light on the social and structural drivers of opioid use in the continent, and the impacts of restrictive policy.

Events

Africa civil society regional consultation in the lead up to the CND mid-term review

Lusaka, Zambia (Hybrid)

7 November 2023

Civil society representatives in Africa will share views and experiences with other stakeholders from the region in preparation for the 2024 CND mid-term review.

News27 September 2023

Putting People First - The Africa Policy Week 2023 in a snapshot

Amidst intolerable inequalities, harm reduction and drug policy reform activists chart new paths towards freedom in South Africa and beyond.

Events

In defence of decriminalisation —a baseline upon which to build sustainable drug policy

Online

3 October 2023

This event aims to dispel myths on drug decriminalisation and highlight best practices, with a critical perspective to improve this framework for the benefit of communities.

News12 September 2023

Uganda: New Narcotics Bill risks exacerbating 'drug-addiction issue'

The impending legislation further criminalises drug use in Uganda, alienating people who use drugs from crucial health and harm reduction services and posing a serious risk to their wellbeing.

News12 September 2023

African activists trained in video and media advocacy in Cape Town

In the run up to Africa Policy Week, drug reform activists in Cape Town received video and media training to boost their advocacy efforts and drive positive change.

Events

2023 National Symposium on Drugs and Drug Policy in Nigeria

Uyo, Nigeria

30 August 2023 - 31 August 2023

The theme for the 6th National Symposium is 'Community-based Approaches to Substance Use Interventions: Best Practices and Innovative Programmes'.

News26 August 2023

Africa Policy Week: Prioritising people through progressive policies

Policy-makers from across the continent call for drug decriminalisation and investment in harm reduction, highlighting the experiences of people who use drugs, sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community and the need for inclusive, and sustainable solutions.

Events

2023 Africa Policy Week

Cape Town, South Africa

14 August 2023 - 17 August 2023

The theme for this year's policy week is "Putting People First", which expands on the statement issued by the United Nations Human Rights Commission calling on all countries to End Stigma and Discrimination and Put People First.

News28 June 2023

“During the night to escape all eyes”: Underground harm reduction in Burundi

Against the backdrop of police harassment, extortion and imprisonment, drug user networks provide a vital lifeline through the provision of harm reduction equipment and information.

News26 June 2023

Uganda's cannabis news unveiled a deeper systemic injustice

Efforts to repeal drug policy legislation reveal how hundreds of khat users and growers have been wrongly imprisoned across Uganda.

News15 June 2023

Video and media Advocacy training at the Africa Drug Policy Week 2023 – Call for applications

Apply now to take part in a 5-day Video and Media Training, and then use your newly acquired skills during the additional 3 days of the Africa Drug Policy Week!

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