Following the first insights published on the International Day of Families, the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), together with the Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), is pleased to now share the full Pan-African Parental Drug Knowledge Index (PADK-Index) 2026 report.

The report presents findings from 2,267 parents and guardians across 20 African countries and represents the first continental effort to measure parental knowledge and awareness related to youth drug and substance use in Africa.

Conducted between March and April 2026, the study examines parental awareness of youth drug abuse, knowledge of specific substances, behavioural warning signs, communication patterns between parents and children, and perceptions of risk and prevention needs.

The report finds that while 85.5% of parents have heard about drug and substance abuse among children in their country, only 29.5% rate their own knowledge as “Good” or “Very Good”, and only 29.2% feel they know enough to protect their child.

The findings also highlight significant gaps in awareness of emerging and rapidly proliferating substances. While alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana were widely recognised by respondents, substances such as Tramadol, Mkpuru mmiri (crystal methamphetamine), and synthetic street drugs including Colos/Colorado, Loud, and SK showed much lower levels of recognition among parents.

At the same time, the report points to a strong willingness among parents to engage in prevention efforts. According to the findings, 78.7% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in drug prevention training, while many also identified awareness training, community sensitisation, counselling services, and stronger school-parent coordination as important support needs.

The PADK-Index 2026 was developed by PCIC in partnership with WFAD to provide a standardized framework for measuring parental drug literacy across Africa and to identify critical knowledge gaps requiring targeted intervention.

We encourage WFAD members, partners, and stakeholders to read the full report and draw on its findings to strengthen prevention work, family-based responses, and advocacy efforts in their countries and communities. The report provides valuable insights into current knowledge gaps, emerging substance use trends, and the types of support parents identify as most needed across the continent.

WFAD extends its appreciation to all members, partners, and country focal points who supported outreach and data collection across the participating countries and contributed to making this initiative possible.

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