Our Mandate

The Central Drug Authority is an authority with a mandate to plan, coordinate, oversee, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan which is the five year strategy of the national effort to reduce the demand for, harm caused by and supply of, substances in the country. The CDA is further mandated by the Act to present a report on its functions annually to the Minister of Social Development.

The Powers and Duties of the CDA

(a) oversee and monitor the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan.

(b) facilitate and encourage the coordination of strategic projects.

(d) encourage government departments and private institutions to compile plans to address substance abuse in line with the goals of the National Drug Master Plan.

(e) ensure that each department of state has its own performance indicators.

(f) facilitate the initiation and promotion of measures to combat the use of substances.

(g) ensure the establishment and maintenance of information systems which will support the implementation, evaluation and ongoing development of the National Drug Master Plan.

(h) submit an annual report that sets out a comprehensive description of the national effort relating to the problem of substance abuse.

(i) ensure the development of effective strategies on prevention, early intervention, reintegration and aftercare services, and in particular ensure the development of effective strategies regarding the prevention of HIV infection 5 and other medical consequences related to substance abuse.

(j) advise Government on policies and programmes in the field of substance abuse and drug trafficking.

(k) recommend to Cabinet the review of the National Drug Master Plan every five years.

(l) organise a biennial summit on substance abuse to enable role-players in the field of substance abuse to share information.

(m) may exercise such powers and must perform such duties as may be determined by the Minister from time to time.