Rising alcohol and drug abuse among young people is emerging as a growing social concern in Eastern and Southern Africa, with regional officials warning that gender differences must be considered in policy responses.
The issue was discussed at the COMESA Technical Committee on Gender and Women’s Affairs in Addis Ababa, where delegates reviewed findings on youth substance use and prevention strategies across member states.
Officials said interventions must account for different patterns of risk exposure among boys and girls.
In a statement, COMESA said discussions focused on “understanding gender disparities between girls and boys and shaping targeted, gender-responsive interventions.”
The concern reflects broader demographic and social pressures across the region, where youth unemployment remains high and access to mental health services is limited.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported that alcohol remains the most widely used substance among adolescents globally, while drug use trends are increasing in several regions, including parts of Africa.
UNICEF has also warned that adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa face heightened vulnerability due to rapid urbanisation, school dropout rates and limited access to social protection systems.
Public health experts say boys are more likely to engage in high-risk substance use, while girls often face underreporting and reduced access to treatment due to stigma and social barriers.
COMESA officials said the findings will feed into regional youth and social development programmes, alongside broader gender equality strategies.
The committee also linked substance abuse to structural economic challenges, including unemployment and lack of opportunity for young people.
COMESA is a 21-member regional bloc covering Eastern and Southern Africa and has increasingly focused on linking social policy with economic integration efforts.
