By Amos Harris
The Liberian Government, acting through the Ministry of Health, has launched a nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign to combat and prevent substance abuse, starting in Montserrado County. The initiative is a core component of the government’s five-year National Anti-Drug Action Plan, prioritizing schools and local communities to reach young people directly with targeted education and prevention messages. Supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the campaign empowers youth to resist social pressures and make informed decisions regarding the dangers of drug use.
Details of the rollout were disclosed on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia. Minister Sando emphasized that taking awareness efforts directly into educational institutions and residential neighborhoods is vital to strengthening public prevention and curbing substance abuse at the grassroots level.
In tandem with the public awareness campaign, the Ministry of Health has initiated a 10-day specialized training program for Health Service Supervisors and Community Health Assistants. The training gathers frontline health workers across 10 counties: Bomi, Montserrado, Nimba, Sinoe, Maryland, Bong, Lofa, Margibi, River Gee, and Grand Kru. Designed by the Ministry of Health, the curriculum is supported by international and development partners, including the United States Government, the Global Fund, UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services, and Last Mile Health.
Together, the nationwide public awareness push and the targeted health-worker training form a coordinated strategy to build community-level response capacity. By improving access to essential health information, strengthening community engagement, and equipping local healthcare providers, the government aims to safeguard young populations and mitigate the broader impact of substance abuse across the nation.