A wave of determination swept through the Liberian capital on Wednesday as more than 300 young people gathered to declare their rejection of drugs during an anti-drug awareness campaign.
The event was marked by a moving testimony from a young man who had overcome addiction. His story of struggle and survival drew tears and applause, as he urged Liberian youth to resist the “poison” of narcotics and to embrace healthier, more purposeful lives.
Participants, drawn from different parts of Monrovia, engaged in an interactive session with a parliamentary delegation. They condemned drug cartels and highlighted the devastating effects of narcotics on their generation, including:
A public health crisis — rising cases of severe psychiatric disorders.
Criminal recruitment — gangs and traffickers exploiting vulnerable youth.
Urban insecurity — theft and violent crimes linked to addiction.
School dropouts — especially in disadvantaged communities.
The youth appealed to government authorities to tackle the root causes of drug dependency by intensifying poverty alleviation efforts, improving schools, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening prevention and rehabilitation programs for reintegration.
Responding, the Minister of Youth and Sports described the spread of drug abuse as a “national health emergency” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the scourge. Ongoing initiatives include:
Nationwide awareness campaigns.
Rehabilitation and vocational reintegration programs.
Construction of a neuropsychiatric hospital.
The minister also announced the creation of an interministerial task force that brings together key ministries — Health, Justice, Youth and Sports, Gender and Social Protection, Finance and Development Planning — alongside the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency.
The campaign climaxed with a symbolic two-kilometer march under the rallying cry: “No to drugs, yes to life.”