Health officials from Kpélé prefecture in Togo recently participated in a two-day training on preventing and managing substance abuse disorders. The September 18-19 workshop in Adéta was organized by the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage, and Insurance, with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The training aimed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in preventing, identifying, and treating substance abuse disorders.
The training covered various topics, including substance abuse disorders, treatment, recovery, and the role of support professionals in the recovery process. Participants gained knowledge on basic skills and activities for support professionals, managing difficult situations during recovery, self-care, and preventing secondary trauma. The training is part of a national and regional effort to address substance abuse issues in Togo.
Dr. Komivi Mawusi Aho, WHO's program administrator for non-communicable diseases, emphasized the importance of commitment from healthcare professionals in modifying the behavior and physical and moral state of substance abuse consumers. He encouraged participants to apply the training knowledge to improve the quality of care and organize awareness sessions in schools and communities to prevent substance abuse.
Dr. Mensavi Amblasso, Kpélé's prefectural health director, invited participants to utilize the training to reduce the burden of substance abuse in the prefecture. He expressed gratitude to the government and WHO for their commitment to promoting better health for all Togolese citizens. The training is expected to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in Kpélé to address substance abuse issues.
The training is part of a broader effort to address the growing concern of substance abuse in Togo. The country has been experiencing an increase in substance abuse, particularly among young people. The government and international partners, including WHO, are working together to develop strategies to prevent and manage substance abuse disorders.
The participants, who are responsible for healthcare facilities in Kpélé, are expected to play a crucial role in implementing the knowledge and skills gained from the training. They will be responsible for providing care and support to individuals affected by substance abuse disorders, as well as organizing awareness campaigns to prevent substance abuse in their communities.
The success of the training will be evaluated, and participants are expected to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the program. The Ministry of Health and WHO will likely use the feedback to improve future training programs and develop more effective strategies to address substance abuse disorders in Togo.
Key points
- The training aims to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in preventing, identifying, and treating substance abuse disorders in Kpélé prefecture.
- The program is part of a national and regional effort to address substance abuse issues in Togo.
- The training covered topics such as substance abuse disorders, treatment, recovery, and the role of support professionals in the recovery process.
