West African health authorities target smoking and substance addiction

Public health authorities in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast are intensifying efforts to combat substance abuse and smoking.

In Burkina Faso, the Public Hygiene Police Brigade conducted inspections in the Guiriko region between July 28 and August 8, 2026, to enforce a decree banning smoking in public places and public transport. During inspections of 232 locations, 65 property owners were fined 50,000 F CFA each, and 40 smokers were fined 15,000 F CFA. Regional Health Director Dr. Issa Konaté noted that these operations aim to reduce tobacco-related deaths, which account for nearly 4,800 annual fatalities in the country.

In Ivory Coast, the National Program for the Fight against Smoking, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction and other Addictions (PNLTA) conducted an awareness mission in the Bin-Houyé and Goulaleu sub-prefectures from August 5 to 9, 2026. The program targeted rising addiction rates among youth, specifically involving cannabis, alcohol, shisha, and various pills. Local health officials reported concerning trends, including cases of liver cirrhosis in individuals under 30 and acute intoxication linked to illicit substances.