Women in Senegal's Kédougou Sensitized on Health Risks of Tramadol Use

In Kédougou, Senegal, a sensitization session was held for women in the Mosquée quarter on the health consequences of using and trafficking Tramadol tablets. This initiative was part of the "Renforcement de la résilience dans les zones frontalières" (RéZo) project. The session aimed to educate mothers on the risks associated with Tramadol use, particularly among young people. Ibrahima Dème, director of the NGO Coginta, explained that the phenomenon of Tramadol use and trafficking persists in the area.

The project, "RéZo-stabilité et cohésion," is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen trust and collaboration between the population and defense and security forces. The initiative, called "Quartier sûr/quartier propre," seeks to promote social cohesion and security in the Mosquée quarter. The event was presided over by El Hadji Malick Sémou Diouf, prefect of the Kédougou department, and attended by local authorities, youth leaders, and community members.

According to Ibrahima Dème, the Mosquée quarter was chosen as a pilot site for this initiative due to its identification by the Kédougou Security Collaborative Forum as an area requiring strengthened trust between populations and security forces. The focus of the sensitization session was on the health impacts of Tramadol use, including its effects on mental and physical health, as well as social and economic consequences.

The prefect of Kédougou, El Hadji Malick Sémou Diouf, noted that the commune is facing security threats, including the use of Tramadol tablets. He described the situation as a "fléau" that requires urgent attention. Diouf urged mothers in the Mosquée quarter and across Kédougou to be vigilant and monitor their children's behavior to prevent Tramadol use.

The "Quartier sûr/quartier propre" initiative includes activities such as cleaning and organizing ecological spaces and waste management areas. The goal is to promote a safe and clean environment, while also addressing the root causes of security concerns in the area. Local authorities and community leaders emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing Tramadol use and promoting social cohesion.

The European Union-funded project aims to support the development of resilient communities in border areas. By engaging with local populations and promoting trust between communities and security forces, the initiative seeks to address security challenges and promote sustainable development. The project has been welcomed by local authorities and community members, who recognize the need for collaborative approaches to addressing security concerns.

The sensitization session is part of a broader effort to address the issue of Tramadol use in Kédougou. By educating women and community members on the risks associated with Tramadol use, the initiative aims to prevent further spread of the problem and promote a safer, healthier community. Key stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, and project implementers, will continue to work together to address the challenges facing the Mosquée quarter and promote sustainable development in the area.

Key points

• The project "RéZo-stabilité et cohésion" aims to strengthen trust and collaboration between populations and defense and security forces in Kédougou.