Côte d’Ivoire / Banning alcoholic energy drinks: shouldn’t we be focusing on raising awareness rather than cracking down?

The ban on the import and sale of alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire, though introduced with the aim of addressing public health concerns, has proven ineffective in curbing the dangers linked to their consumption.

Young people continue to seek out riskier alternatives, such as mixing alcohol with Tramadol.

This restrictive approach only encourages individuals to circumvent regulations.

To address this issue, Ivorian authorities should shift their focus toward raising awareness and educating the public, particularly the youth, about the real dangers of these substances.

By prioritizing prevention, the development of a culture of responsible consumption could be encouraged, enabling young people to make informed decisions about their health without relying on blanket bans that are easily bypassed.

Moreover, the current ban unfairly impacts law-abiding merchants, depriving them of significant revenue without effectively solving the public health crisis it seeks to address.

In the long run, educating the youth about the risks associated with Tramadol and the combination of alcohol and energy drinks would offer a more sustainable solution.

A preventive approach, rather than a purely punitive one, would better protect public health while also supporting the Ivorian economy and the livelihoods of local businesses.

Sherif Touré