The Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD), has been formally today (11/02/23) in Cape Town South Africa.
By Michael Gwarisa
The ESCAD is a high-level regional advocacy mechanism designed to find new ways of addressing a growing drug epidemic in the region that is affecting cities, towns and villages in every country and fueling a worsening health crisis.
The ESACD currently comprises four commissioners’ including President Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique, Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of South Africa, Cassam Uteem, former President of Mauritius and Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director, CAPRISA, and Professor in Clinical Epidemiology, Columbia University.
Presidents Motlanthe, who is also a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy serves as the Chair of the ESACD.
Speaking at a Press Conference from Capetown, President Motlante said commission will work on reviewing current drug policies in the ESA region as well as mobilise political support to end the drug scourge.
The ESACD will play a key role in reviewing and assessing the impact  of current policies across the region and recommend more evidence-based policies that are oriented towards health and rights. The ESACD will review current policies, recommend evidence-based policies, and mobilize public opinion to promote action at all levels.
