Drug and substance abuse is one of Africa’s fastest-growing public health and social crises. From alcohol and tobacco to hard drugs and prescription misuse, millions of people—especially youth—are caught in cycles of dependency.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that substance abuse contributes to over 11% of the global disease burden, and Africa’s youth are disproportionately affected. Factors fueling abuse include:

• Poverty and unemployment
• Peer pressure and urbanization
• Family breakdown and lack of guidance
• Easy access to illicit substances
• Trauma, stress, and untreated mental illness