By: Binta Jaiteh
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has convened a forum on the prevention of drug abuse in The Gambia, aimed at strengthening youth engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the project titled: “Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Peace in The Gambia through the Holistic Empowerment of Women and Youth.”
Speaking at the forum held on Friday at the SDJK Conference Centre, UNDP Team Leader for Inclusive Growth, Samba Batch Jallow, underscored the importance of the engagement in addressing drug abuse among young people.
He described the gathering as a milestone in efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of youth, noting that it provides a platform to raise awareness and strengthen collaboration among communities, government institutions and development partners.
Jallow says the project reflects a shared commitment to promoting peace, resilience and prosperity through the empowerment of women and youth, adding that recent analyses have identified economic hardship, land disputes, identity-based tensions and drug abuse as key drivers of instability.
He also highlighted the need to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes, while stressing that UNDP’s 2026–2029 strategic plan prioritises inclusivity, accountability and youth engagement.
A representative of the Director General of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Sheriff Sanyang, described the forum as timely, noting its significance in efforts to reduce youth vulnerability, improve health outcomes and enhance productivity.
He said illicit drug trafficking and abuse remain a major national challenge affecting public health, community resilience and the future of young people.
According to him, global drug use is projected to rise by 11 percent by 2030, with Africa accounting for over 40 percent of the increase. He added that a significant proportion of African youth perceive cannabis as harmless, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Mr. Sanyang further notes that regional assessments point to growing challenges related to illicit drug trafficking and abuse, calling for strengthened prevention, treatment, care and alternative livelihood programmes. He added that cannabis remained the most widely abused drug in The Gambia.
He assured that the agency would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to intensify sensitisation and awareness campaigns.
Also speaking, a representative of the Governor of the West Coast Region, Musa Amul Nyassi, described drug abuse as a serious concern affecting young people, particularly in border communities.
He emphasised the need for collective responsibility and sustained dialogue to address the issue, noting that such forums provide an opportunity for youth and stakeholders to share ideas and solutions.
The forum seeks to empower youth-led initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing drug abuse, while promoting dialogue and cooperation among young people, community leaders and institutions.
It also supports the implementation of The Gambia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (2025), with a focus on strengthening youth-led prevention mechanisms and enhancing community resilience, particularly in the Lower River and West Coast Regions.
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