Sharing perspectives on community-led interventions in the addiction field in African contexts with a special focus on Nigeria

Olubusayo Akinola, Chair: Sophia AchabLecture Hall A

Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a significant public health challenge in West Africa, compounded by inadequate treatment systems and varying professional attitudes. This study integrates findings from two research efforts to evaluate SUD treatment capacities, policies, and mental health professionals' (MHPs) attitudes across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. The first study surveyed government-run SUD treatment facilities in 15 ECOWAS countries using the WHO questionnaire on treatment services, combined with stakeholder consultations and policy reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The second study conducted a cross-sectional survey of 292 MHPs in Nigeria across four geopolitical zones, using the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey. Kruskal-Wallis analysis assessed regional variations, with step-down follow-up tests for interregional differences.
Results: Analysis from 10 ECOWAS member states revealed disparities in treatment capacity, with only 40% offering evidence-based services. Barriers included stigma (70%), insufficient infrastructure (30%), and inadequate legislative frameworks (50%). Meanwhile, the attitudes of MHPs in Nigeria showed significant regional variations (p<.0001), reflecting moralistic and non-permissive tendencies. Step-down analyses revealed significant attitude disparites between regions (p<.0001; p<.028). Discussion: The findings underscore the need for harmonized regional policies, improved infrastructure, and capacity-building to bridge treatment gaps and standardize SUD care across West Africa.

Dr. Olubusayo Akinola serves as the Head of the Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Crime Prevention Division at the African Union. She brings significant expertise in designing and implementing multicomponent community-based interventions, as well as recovery and social integration strategies for individuals with substance use disorders. Dr. Akinola works closely with civil society organizations to advance grassroots initiatives and advocates for the development of age-appropriate, gender-sensitive policies to address substance use challenges affecting women, children, and adolescents across Africa. Her contributions include involvement in various international and national projects focused on drug policy evaluation, and she plays a key role in facilitating inter-agency collaboration and real-time information exchange within the Pan African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use. Dr. Akinola holds a PhD in public health with a specialization in epidemiology from Walden University, a Master’s degree in public health from the University of East London and a Bachelor of pharmacy degree. She is also a Fulbright Alumna from Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, and a recipient of the Walden University Presidential Award for Research Dissemination.

Tue 11:15 - 12:15

Keynote Lecture