Monrovia, Liberia: The Multi-sector Committee Against Drugs And Substance Abuse says, it will embark on a thorough nationwide assessment campaign aimed at identifying rehabilitation sites for at-risk youth.
The exercise among others, primarily streamlines evaluating the current state of drugs and substance abuse across the Country.
The assessment will kickstart today, February 19, 2024 in Liberia.
Under the stewardship of Health Minister, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, the initiative seeks to foster collaborative partnerships among law enforcement, healthcare, education, social services, donors, and other relevant stakeholders to tackle this complex issue.
The decision was reached on Friday, February 16 2024 at the first multisector committee meeting held at the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Congo Town which marks a significant step forward.
In response to the pressing public health issue of drugs and substance abuse, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai declared a public health emergency during his state of the nation address on 29 January 2024.
Under the leadership of Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, the committee has established a secretariat charged with developing comprehensive strategies and a roadmap to combat drugs and substance abuse within a three-year timeframe.
This includes developing strategies and a roadmap and assigning the duties and responsibilities of each participating ministry and agency.
A press release quotes the steering committee as saying, “through concerted efforts and proactive measures, the government aims to safeguard communities and create a safer, healthier future for all.
It furthered, the government remains committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of its citizens as Liberia confronts the challenges posed by drugs and substance abuse.
A 2023 situation analysis of drug abuse in Liberia by Global Action for Sustainable Development says, 866 ghettos in Monrovia, 100,000 estimated substance users.
The 2023 Global Action for Sustainable Development – GASD in Liberia, report showcases that the lack of sustainable drug prevention programmes in Liberia has contributed to the increased rate of drug abuse over the years.
It also concludes that Liberia is losing a generation to drug misuse and that, if practical actions (including policy implementation and donor-driven programmes) are not taken, a more challenging situation will be inherited, including high criminal activities, unemployment, increase SGBV, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, TB, etc.
