As Africa battles an opioid abuse surge, experts warn it could escalate into a full-blown addiction and mental health crisis if proper interventions are not implemented.
Accessing opioid drugs in Africa has become as easy as walking into a street shop and purchasing them over the counter, despite existing policy regulations intended to control their distribution for medical treatment, according to Selina Ogweno, chief executive officer of the Children Sickle Cell Foundation Kenya.
In cases where patients with chronic illnesses requiring pain medication cannot access treatment through formal health care facilities due to medical supply shortages, the black market has emerged as an alternative source. This has contributed to rising addiction rates, Ogweno said.
About the author
David Njagi
David Njagi is a Kenya-based Devex Contributing Reporter with over 12 years’ experience in the field of journalism. He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a diploma in journalism and public relations. He has reported for local and international media outlets, such as the BBC Future Planet, Reuters AlertNet, allAfrica.com, Inter Press Service, Science and Development Network, Mongabay Reporting Network, and Women’s Media Center.
