By Gloria Ikibah
The ECOWAS Parliament delegation has visited several health and rehabilitation centres in Conakry to better understand the challenges linked to drug abuse and mental health in the region.
On the third day of its awareness campaign in Guinea, the team visited the psychiatric unit of Donka University Hospital, the SAJED-G Youth Rehabilitation Centre, and Fraternité Médicale Guinée (FMG), where they met with medical staff, caregivers, and young people in recovery. 
At Donka Hospital, Dr. Denis Bernard Raiche expressed concern over the increasing number of young people dealing with cannabis-related mental health problems, and stressed the need for more cooperation between institutions in West Africa to improve mental health services.
Hon. Fanta Condé, a member of the ECOWAS delegation, said the mission aims to support efforts that defend human rights and tackle the growing problem of drug use and related health issues across the region.
During the visit to SAJED-G, the delegation listened to personal stories from youths going through recovery. Staff and residents welcomed the visit as a source of encouragement.
At FMG, conversations focused on the shortage of trained professionals and resources in mental health care. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of better support for workers in the field to meet the growing demand for services.
