Rapid Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to Synthetic Drugs in Nigeria

Synthetic drugs have become a significant global public health concern, and particularly in Nigeria. More worrisome is the level of ingenuity associated with synthetic drugs, the speed of production, difficulties in identification and the limited information on their health and social consequences for clinical and policy interventions. This project aimed at contributing to efforts towards mitigating synthetic drugs threat in Nigeria by enhancing knowledge, local capacities and fostering collaborative knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders. The primary objectives were to conduct a rapid assessment on the knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to synthetic drugs to help understand the current trends in synthetic drugs use, production and trafficking in Nigeria to develop evidence-based interventions. In addition, raise awareness, engage key stakeholders through educational and outreach activities, including webinars, media discussions and the dissemination of findings through policy briefs. Strong national early warning systems on synthetic drugs through regular data gathering will continue to play a pivotal role in the early identification, detection of harms and help to ensure timely public health responses. It is our sincere hope and expectation that the results from this rapid assessment will be used by the government, public, policymakers, researchers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)/ civil societies to develop prevention and policy interventions.