ONG RAPAA mobilizes media and civil society to combat psychoactive substances

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Extract from the article: Every June 26th marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. To commemorate this day, the NGO Research Action Prevention Support for Addictions (RAPAA) called upon media professionals, civil society actors, and...

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Every June 26th marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. To commemorate this day, the NGO Research Action Prevention Support for Addictions (RAPAA) called upon media professionals, civil society actors, and organizations to strengthen prevention and raise awareness about the dangers of psychoactive substance use. This call to action took place during a meeting held on July 10, 2024, in Lomé. The event, which concluded RAPAA’s awareness campaign, highlighted the actions and interventions deployed by the NGO in celebration of this day.

Fifteen journalists were informed about the significance of the International Day and the theme for the 2024 edition: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.” Participants attended detailed presentations by RAPAA and the National Anti-Drug Committee (CNAD) on substance use, Togo’s institutional and legislative framework regarding narcotics, and RAPAA's initiatives. The discussions emphasized the critical role of journalists in addiction prevention. RAPAA’s Vice President, Akoura Kama-Djonna, urged journalists to seek reliable information and become advocates for better decision-making in prevention and protection against psychoactive substance use. She also addressed the challenges faced by the NGO, including a lack of resources and the complex social issues of patients.

In Togo, the consumption of psychoactive substances is particularly concerning, affecting many young people. Conducting national surveys to assess the extent of the problem is crucial. The Togolese government has implemented a national drug control strategy focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of CNAD, Bohm Mawuena David, stressed the importance of prevention within families and child protection while commending the efforts of various actors.

Concrete Actions on the Ground

As part of this celebration, RAPAA conducted various activities, including awareness campaigns about the dangers of psychoactive substances and prevention activities for the general public. These included a French-language radio program on Pyramide FM, television appearances on the show La Poz on TVT, and on the news program SOS Docteur TV. The NGO also carried out prevention activities for drug users and other vulnerable populations, including sex workers and female porters.

A sensitization session in the Katanga neighborhood focused on the risks of tuberculosis. Fifty-six people were screened, with one positive case referred to the Baguida Medical-Social Center for free medical care. This intervention was carried out in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Program (PNLT), the Katanga Medical-Social Center, and the Bè Hospital.

RAPAA also conducted HIV/AIDS awareness and voluntary testing in the Kodjoviakopé neighborhood, reaching 106 people. Two women tested positive for HIV, and four cases of hepatitis were detected. The patients were referred to the FAMME NGO clinic for free medical and psychological care. These activities were accompanied by psychological and social support sessions to help users overcome their dependence, as well as the distribution of meals and hygiene kits. These actions were implemented using a participatory approach that fully involved local leaders and drug users.

RAPAA's initiative once again demonstrates the need for a multisectoral approach to combat addictions and protect populations.

Raymond DZAKPATA