November 30, 2021 at 3pm GMT+1, via zoom platform (Register Now)

1. Background

The drug problem in Africa is extremely serious, with drug usage reported as being at twice the world norm. Over 15% of our population has a drug problem. According to Patrizia Scalone substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes that gives rise to both physical and psychological dependence. “Dependence results in mental, emotional, biological or physical, social and economic instability. The effects of substance abuse on an individual form the basis of its increasing effects on society.

There is an undeniable link between substance abuse and delinquency and mental health. It cannot be claimed that substance abuse causes delinquent behaviour or delinquency causes alcohol and other drug use. However, these behaviours are strongly correlated and often bring about school and family problems, involvement with negative peer groups, lack of neighbourhood social control and physical or sexual abuse.

Substance abuse is associated with both violent and income generating crimes by youths. Gangs, trafficking, prostitution and growing numbers of youth homicides are among the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse. Resultantly mental health education becomes inevitable as the perpetuators knowingly or unknowingly experience issues of social, psychological and emotional adjustment in the society and this needs to be addressed.

2. Objectives

• • To highlight mental health and drug abuse as an integral part of the humanitarian response in emergency situations and humanitarian aid as well as development programs
  • To create dialogue that will lead to the development of innovations and integration in
    programs that promote the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, or thriving, of girls, boys and youth in Cameroon.
  • To promote learning and dissemination of knowledge in the mental health field.

3. Main area to address

• • Providing psychosocial support to youth at risk of mental disorders/drug abuse
  • To provide a platform for children and youth to share their experiences and innovations to develop solutions which facilitate thriving.

4. Target population

Youth –led organization, Youths (Boys and girls between the ages 16 -29), researcher, psychologist and the general public

      5. Panelists

• • Mejame Ben –Valerie Emade

• • Mesmine Shuri – Health Promotion Youth Lead

• • Nouroullah El-Moubine Nsangou

• • Ntoutoumou Davy Georges

      6. Moderator;

• • Dr. Daru Roland – Psychologist/ Youth Mental Health Director