Health officials, law enforcement, and education sector representatives from Danyi prefecture in Togo have undergone training on preventing and managing disorders related to psychoactive substance use. The two-day workshop, held on September 28-29 in Apéyémé, aimed to enhance the skills of these stakeholders to improve prevention, identification, and integrated care for individuals affected by these disorders. The training was organized by the Ministry of Health with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The training covered topics such as disorders related to psychoactive substance use, treatment, and recovery processes, as well as the role of professionals in supporting recovery. Participants' basic skills were strengthened, and they were educated on managing difficult situations, self-care, and preventing secondary trauma. The training is part of the National Health Development Plan (PNDS) 2023-2027, which prioritizes the fight against non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Komivi Mawusi Aho, administrator of the non-communicable disease program at WHO Togo, stated that the session aligns with the PNDS and the WHO's 2026 regional support plan for the Plateaux region. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond capacity building, involving regional WHO Togo experts to provide technical support and promote awareness activities in schools and communities.
Dr. Aho encouraged the trainees to apply their new knowledge in their respective structures, conduct awareness campaigns in schools and communities, and strengthen collaboration with social, educational, and security actors. Aziawonou Komivi Biova, medical assistant at Apéyémé's CHP, noted that the training will enable health professionals to better prevent and manage disorders related to psychoactive substance use.
The training is expected to improve the response to psychoactive substance abuse in Togo. The country's health sector has been working to address the issue, with a focus on prevention, early identification, and integrated care. The involvement of various stakeholders, including law enforcement and education sector representatives, is seen as crucial in tackling the problem.
Togo's efforts to address psychoactive substance abuse are part of a broader regional and global initiative to combat non-communicable diseases. The WHO has been working with countries in the region to develop and implement strategies to prevent and manage these diseases. The training in Danyi prefecture is a step towards achieving this goal.
The participants have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to address psychoactive substance abuse in their communities. The next steps will involve implementing the skills learned and promoting awareness campaigns in schools and communities. The impact of the training will be monitored, and further support will be provided as needed.
Key points
- The training aims to enhance the skills of health officials, law enforcement, and education sector representatives to prevent and manage disorders related to psychoactive substance use.
- The initiative is part of the National Health Development Plan (PNDS) 2023-2027 and the WHO's 2026 regional support plan.
- The training covered topics such as disorders related to psychoactive substance use, treatment, and recovery processes.
