The Association Afrique contre le tabac (ACONTA) recently organized a workshop in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to address the growing concern of substance abuse among the country's youth. The workshop, held on October 9, 2026, brought together stakeholders from public and private sectors to discuss strategies to counter the increasing consumption of tobacco, drugs, and other psychoactive substances. ACONTA's initiative aims to promote collective action and vigilance in preventing substance abuse.
According to O. Éric Doyé, coordinator of the National Program for Tobacco and Other Addictions (PNLTA), tobacco use is a significant public health problem worldwide. In Burkina Faso, 13.6% of people aged 18-69 smoke, with 28.3% and 28.6% exposed to passive smoking at home and in the workplace, respectively. The country's youth, particularly males aged 30-44, are disproportionately affected, with a prevalence of 24.3%. Tobacco-related deaths are estimated to be around 4,800 annually, with 1,300 being non-smokers.
The workshop also highlighted the issue of e-cigarette and heated tobacco product use among youth. Doyé revealed that 18% of young people use e-cigarettes containing nicotine, while 21.9% use heated tobacco products. These findings corroborate a 2016 survey conducted by ACONTA and the Alliance for Tobacco Control in Africa (ACTA), which found that tobacco companies target schools with their marketing strategies. The survey reported 86 mobile sales points around 16 schools, with an average of five points per school.
Commissioner N. Lévy Yoda, head of the Prevention and Legislation Department at the National Committee for Drug Control (SP-CNLD), emphasized that all drugs pose potential risks to young people. He stressed the importance of involving parents and youth in prevention efforts. According to Yoda, parents are best placed to prevent substance abuse, followed by the state, schools, healthcare services, and civil society organizations.
Yoda also highlighted the classification of drugs into licit and illicit substances. Licit substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are regulated but not prohibited, while illicit substances, like cannabis and cocaine, are strictly prohibited. He warned that no drug is less hazardous than another for adolescents, and all substances present risks to young people.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders to develop effective strategies to combat substance abuse. The participants drafted a roadmap for action, focusing on prevention, risk factors, and protection. The goal is to promote a healthy youth and, ultimately, a prosperous future for Burkina Faso.
The issue of substance abuse among youth in Burkina Faso requires a collective response. ACONTA's initiative and the workshop demonstrate the commitment of stakeholders to address this pressing concern. By working together, the country can hope to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and ensure a healthier future for its young people.
Key points
- ACONTA association holds workshop to address rising substance abuse among youth in Burkina Faso
- Tobacco use is a significant public health problem in Burkina Faso, with 13.6% of people aged 18-69 smoking
- All drugs pose potential risks to young people, and prevention efforts should involve parents and youth.
