Our individual member shared his report on the developments in Cameroon and the response activities that were organised. The original report is written in French – which can be accessed here – Below is an English translation

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Development

The drug phenomenon is spreading rapidly across Africa and more particularly in Cameroon. More and more young people start taking drugs very early (8-9 years old) and one leads to the other and there is a risk that they become dependent. Abandoned and sometimes rejected by their families, they have found refuge in the streets, organising themselves into gangs to commit misdeeds (thefts, robberies, rapes, acts of vandalism, etc.). Wandering the streets and attacking people as they pass to have means to finance the needed substances. Aware of this worrying situation, the Compassion Cameroon Association and CONACE CHAPLAINS have undertaken to organise a triple training, named “Anti-Drugs”, “Judge of the Peace”, and “Volunteer Chaplains” between July 31st and August 12th, 2023 in the city of Douala, Cameroon. To equip aspiring chaplains and anti-drug therapeutic advisors practically and concretely, experts were selected, including Mr Fotso Talom Serges Eric to run the workshop and four training modules.

The themes selected and which were proposed and developed in French and/or English (Cameroon being a bilingual country) by the expert are as follows:

• Factors linked to drug consumption (in French)
• The role of anti-drug awareness (in French)
• Mental disorders and neurology (in English)
• Awareness raising: Practical case (in English)
• Toxicology and classification (in English)

The dates assigned for these interventions and their development were as follows:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 – 6-6.50 pm: Session 3: the role of anti-drugs sensitisation: During this session, participants were presented with the role and importance of anti-drug awareness which is to prevent the use of drugs and reduce the risks associated with their consumption. The different awareness mechanisms were presented.

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 – 7-750 p.m.: Session 4: Awareness raising: Practical case – During the workshop, awareness strategies such as the use of clear and precise messages, impactful images, community involvement, use of appropriate media have been identified. Each strategy, to be effective, must be developed and implemented according to the target population.

Friday, August 4th, 2023 – 5-5.50 pm: Session 2: Factors linked to drug use: During this presentation, the different factors (social, environmental, cultural, biological) linked to drug consumption were discussed. After identifying the common and underlying causes, possible solutions were presented.

Friday, August 4, 2023 – 6-6.50 pm: Session 3: Toxicology and classification: Participants were informed about the classification of toxic substances and the systems used to categorise them according to their level of toxicity and their effects on human health, especially since these effects on the body can vary depending on the type of drug, the dose, frequency and duration of consumption, as well as the person’s general health. Drugs can also interact with other medications and substances, which can increase health risks.

Friday, August 4th, 2023 – 7-750 p.m.: Session 4: Mental Health Disorders and Neurology: Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can increase the risk of developing drug dependence. Substance abuse can then cause changes in the brain that can lead to mental and neurological disorders. These consequences may vary depending on the type of drug, frequency and duration of use, and the person’s general health.

At the end of each session, the opportunity was offered to participants to ask questions. 23 copies of the book “Drugs – the Quest for Freedom: between Prevention and Awareness” were distributed to the participants. In the book, they will find more in-depth answers to questions related to the understanding of drugs and their effects, prevention, awareness, and detoxification, to be better equipped for their new missions.