Côte d’Ivoire: Focus on educating young people about Tramadol rather than banning alcoholic energy drinks
The ban on the importation and sale of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages in Côte d’Ivoire has proven to be both ineffective and detrimental to merchants.
Instead of addressing the issue of combining these drinks with Tramadol, the prohibition has driven youths to seek out even more harmful alternatives, the specifics of which are too dangerous to mention.
This situation underscores that the root problem lies not with energy drinks and alcohol, but with the unregulated use of substances like Tramadol.
Ivorian authorities would be better served by redirecting their efforts towards educating and raising awareness among young people about the dangers of excessive consumption and mixing substances.
An educational approach would more effectively inform youths of the risks associated with Tramadol and its combination with other beverages.
By providing the necessary information and promoting responsible consumption, authorities could achieve more sustainable and beneficial results for public health.
Furthermore, a well-executed awareness campaign could restore confidence among merchants and consumers alike.
Merchants, who have been the primary victims of the ban, would be able to resume their economic activities while contributing to a collective public health effort.
This could also lead to stricter regulation and increased monitoring of dangerous products, such as Tramadol, thereby reducing their accessibility and abusive consumption.
Instead of maintaining a ban that causes more harm than good, it is imperative that Ivorian authorities invest in the education and sensitization of young people.
This approach will address the problem at its source more effectively, protecting citizens’ health while supporting local economic activities.
Esse Fousseni
