By Amara Kargbo

Legislators of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Health Committee, led by Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, aimed to bolster regional collaboration through unified parliamentary action, evidence-based policymaking, and active community involvement.

The delegation, headed by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, underscores the importance of regional solidarity among West African nations particularly Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia in confronting shared challenges such as health crises, drug dependency, and mental health concerns.

While outlining the purpose of the visit on June 23rd, 2025, at the ministry’s conference room, Hon. Sesay elaborated on ECOWAS’s collective commitment as a united family to champion public health, youth development, and regional stability by raising awareness, facilitating dialogue, and shaping impactful policies.

The mission encompasses evaluating the effects of psychoactive substance misuse, engaging with various institutions, and coordinating legislative and health responses.

Hon. Sesay advanced the case for community-centered, human-focused strategies to combat drug addiction, involving civil society organizations (CSOs), rehabilitation centers, and rehabilitated individuals, including highly educated professionals. She also underscored the importance of diverse perspectives, especially from those who have recovered to craft effective strategies supporting vulnerable children and communities.

Initiatives include town hall meetings with key stakeholders designed to disseminate information and accelerate progress toward comprehensive solutions listening to affected individuals, understanding their stories, and integrating insights into actionable policies.

Director General Alan Logan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that the delegation’s objective is to undertake an inclusive, evidence-driven evaluation of mental health and substance abuse issues involving both parliamentarians and medical experts, with the aim of mainstreaming these concerns into policy frameworks.

The delegation intends to collaborate with health authorities to examine the integration of mental health services into national systems, especially amid the declaration of a State of Emergency and the formation of Presidential Taskforce critical steps toward effective intervention.

DG Logan maintained on that controlling drug proliferation and preventing youth addiction linked to poverty and security challenges within ECOWAS which are crucial.

Parliamentarians have actively supported outreach, stigmatization, and awareness efforts, encouraging affected individuals to seek help and fostering a healthier society.

Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias reaffirmed the profound importance of health mental and physical in ensuring societal well-being and active participation. He highlighted the urgent need for expansive, cross-regional programmes designed to combat drug abuse, addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to quality education and employment.

He stressed that early prevention, awareness campaigns, and timely intervention are essential, noting that treatment becomes significantly more challenging once addiction takes hold. A comprehensive, multi-sectorial approach involving health, education, and social sectors is fundamental to advancing sustainable development and regional resilience.