This report from DSD News published on 26 June 2025.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was marked on 26 June 2025 with the release of various international drug reports which show that substance abuse is on the rise worldwide and is being driven primarily by organized crime.

Analysing the latest global data on drug use and its devastating consequences, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised the alarm on rising substance abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and people in low-income communities.

Speaking during South Africa’s commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the UNODC's regional representative, Dr Marie Jane Ong’olo (pictured above), urged governments to intensify investment in prevention strategies and dismantle the organised criminal networks driving the crisis.

Delivering the message of support at the commemoration at the Sakhile Stadium in Standerton, Mpumalanga, on 26 June 2025, Dr Ong’olo praised South Africa for its efforts to address the complex and evolving drug landscape while warning that the scale of the problem continues to grow globally.

“According to the 2025 World Drug Report, 316 million people used drugs in 2023 alone – a 28% increase over the past decade,” Dr Ong’olo said.

“This rise is not limited to the developed world. Emerging markets, including parts of Africa, are seeing significant increases in cocaine and synthetic drug use, along with related harms.”

As a member state of the United Nations, South Africa has made notable progress in harm reduction and treatment initiatives.

Dr Ong’olo noted the country’s leadership in introducing opioid agonist therapy, needle and syringe programmes, and HIV and hepatitis C prevention into its national health responses.

However, she cautioned, treatment coverage across Africa remains low, hampered by stigma, criminalisation, and limited access to care.

The 2025 World Drug Report also revealed:

•⁠ ⁠64 million people globally are living with drug use disorders;

•⁠ ⁠1 in 18 women with drug use disorders received treatment in 2023;

•⁠ ⁠14 million people worldwide inject drugs; and

•⁠ ⁠6.9 million are living with hepatitis C.

In Africa, 31% of people in treatment are under the age of 25.

“This is a critical moment for South Africa,” Dr Ong’olo said.

“With the development of a new National Drug Master Plan, 2025 presents an opportunity to strengthen national prevention systems and prioritise support for key populations such as young people, women, and people who inject drugs.”

She urged the country to leverage the momentum to review and implement a stronger National Drug Master Plan.

Dr Ong’olo stressed the urgent need for gender-sensitive services, particularly for women who are also survivors of gender-based violence.

She emphasised that services integrating drug treatment, mental health support, and gender-based violence care under one roof are still largely unavailable in South Africa.

In her regional analysis, Dr Ong’olo identified Africa as a major trafficking corridor, with:

•⁠ ⁠cocaine routes running through West Africa;

•⁠ ⁠heroin flowing through East Africa; and

•⁠ ⁠cannabis is predominantly produced and consumed within the region

She warned that heroin in transit is increasingly spilling over into local consumption, and HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs remains a key concern in southern Africa.“Drug trafficking is evolving, and so must our response,” Dr Ong’olo said.

“We need regional cooperation, targeted border interventions, and joint action with civil society and local drug action committees,” she added.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime stands with South Africa,” she said.

“Together, let us build resilient communities, reduce harm, and ensure health and dignity for all. Let us invest in prevention, break the cycle, and stop organised crime.”

#