WORLD ANTI DRUGS AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (WADO)

World Anti drugs and Development Organization (WADO) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization unaffiliated with religious or political entities which is now making great efforts to liberate the global society from drug addiction and related challenges to lead healthier and more sustainable lives through education, community-driven development, rehabilitation, prevention, sustainable development, policies, capacity building, empowerment, health services, youth programs, entrepreneurship, advocacy, global health, human rights, environmental sustainability, research and data Analysis. WADO is registered with the Ministry of Community Development Gender, Women, and Special Groups in the United Republic of Tanzania under Act 24 of 2002 on July 20, 2023, to operate in Tanzania mainland, with permanent account registration number 00NGO/R/4952.

WADO’s acknowledge the diverse groups affected by drug abuse, health issues, economic struggles, and environmental challenges. These include key vulnerable populations, marginalized, voiceless, underprivileged or disadvantaged group such as those with low socio-economic status, individuals impacted by mental illness, Children and youth, women, adolescent girls and boys, drug addicts, refugees, immigrants and migrants, victims of human trafficking, victims of gender violence, incarcerated people (and their families), people released from incarceration, unemployed people, Conflicts and disasters affected population, People with chronic diseases and disabilities. These groups can lead to the underserved, disregarded, ostracized, harassed, persecuted, sidelined in the community. WADO seeks to empower and support these underserved groups, emphasizing the importance of a drug-free and sustainable future. 

Drug abuse is a major and growing problem in Tanzania. In 2011, the drug control commission (which is dealing with drug abuse issues) reported that the number of people who are addicted ranges from 150,000 and 500,000. The National guideline for comprehensive package of HIV interventions for key and vulnerable populations in Tanzania estimates that there are 25,000 to 50,000 people who inject drugs in Tanzania in 2017 which contribute to the unending burden of HIV in the country. Most of the people who are involved in drug abuse in Tanzania are youths, who often engage in trafficking and consuming illegal drugs like cannabis and, they are mostly found in major cities of the country. The common illegal drugs in Tanzania are cannabis which remains widely used followed by heroin, khat, cocaine, marijuana and to a lesser extent inhalant such as petrol, glue and paints.  

The major cause of drug abuse in Tanzania is easy accessibility and availability of drug abuse among regions of the country. The accessibility and availability of illicit drugs is also attributed by the improvement in transport infrastructures and urbanization together with poverty and inequalities. The use of drugs to youth in Tanzania is caused by unemployment, income, and education. Young people believe that when use drugs they become free, others use drug because they have no education that generates income. 

In Tanzania there are various groups of people who use drugs (PWUDs) and people who inject drugs (PWIDs), consumption of illicit drugs was particularly one source of increasing prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious disease such as HIV/AIDS caused by sharing of contaminated needles and syringes, physical and mental ill and moral erosion in the country. These effects of substance use disorder may affect vulnerable, marginalized, voiceless, underprivileged or disadvantaged group. 

The effects of drug abuse are increasingly becoming a worldwide trend in lifestyle that is prevalent in rich and poor countries alike. Addiction to alcohol, drugs and cigarette smoking is now regarded as a major public health problem. Drugs work in the brain and body, also puts a heavy financial burden on individuals, families and society.

Recognizing this fact, the World Anti drugs and Development Organization aims at leading efforts to empowering communities for a drug-free and sustainable future with a profound commitment to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges drug addiction. In an increasingly interconnected world, the effects of drug abuse are a prevalent and growing concern, impacting individuals, families, and communities across the globe. WADO stands as a beacon of hope, devoid of political or religious affiliations, dedicated to liberating societies from the clutches of drug addiction.

WADO’s call upon the governments, individuals, agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector and various respective national and international organizations to join hands in achieving the shared goal of independence and self-sufficiency for communities across the world so that the entire community achieve greater aspirations of independence and stand on their own feet in the future.

Our Vision is to have good health infrastructures to provide good health, educate, save, prevent drugs addicted people and mobilize resources for community development all over the world.

Our Mission is provision of good health education and treatment of which everyone can live healthy and improve the lives of the people in the community.

Our approach is to empower community for sustainable transformation.

Our Values

Our commitment to inclusion and choice is built and sustained by the below values: Compassion, Empowerment, Integrity, Inclusivity, Transparency and Accountability, Partnership and Collaboration, Sustainability, Adaptability and Respect for Human Rights.