(Monrovia, Liberia, August 20, 2025) — The Presidential Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse has intensified its engagement with service providers as part of a national effort to curb the spiraling drug and substance abuse crisis.
The meeting was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and brought together service providers, policymakers, and international partners to deepen collaboration, strengthen referral pathways, and explore innovative interventions to confront the substance use epidemic.
The gathering followed a two-day technical working session convened by the Technical Working Group of the multi-sectoral committee on August 18–19, which crafted a strategic framework to chart a new course in Liberia’s battle against drug abuse.
Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, who opened the meeting, underscored the indispensable role of the private sector in complementing the government’s response. “We acknowledge your contributions, and we are eager to work with you as a team to provide quality services and improved referral pathways for substance users,” Dr. Kpoto declared.
The Minister lauded the presence of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, adding that such collaboration is vital for scaling up efforts against a crisis she described as a “national emergency threatening the future of Liberia.”
WHO Representative, Dr. Olushayo Olu, commended President Joseph Boakai’s administration for prioritizing the drug fight, but cautioned that inaction could result in devastating consequences for the country. “If care is not taken immediately, the crisis could erode the very future of the nation,” Dr. Olu warned. He reaffirmed WHO’s support to the Liberian government in capacity building, treatment, and resource mobilization. “We remain committed to providing technical assistance, training, and essential supplies to help end this crisis,” he assured.
Also addressing the forum, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Laraamand S. Nyonton, stressed that the battle against drugs requires inclusivity and deliberate budgetary prioritization. “We cannot tackle this crisis in isolation. Government must establish a dedicated budget line for tackling drugs and substance abuse under the Ministry of Health as the lead agency rather than dispersing it across different ministries,” he asserted.
Mental Health Director, Dr. Moses Ziah II emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to reinforcing collaboration with service providers. “The Ministry of Health cannot do this alone. Our continuous training and capacity-building initiatives are proof of our readiness to work hand-in-hand with you,” he noted.
On the legislative front, Representative Thomas Goshua of Grand Bassa County District #5, who chairs the House Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, pledged to advocate for an expanded health budget at the 55th Legislature. “If we are truly serious about this fight, it must be reflected in the national budget,” the lawmaker stressed.
Service providers present, including Action Against Drug Abuse, YWCA, Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Journey Against Violence, Koimene Impact Foundation, among others, expressed readiness to intensify collaboration with the government, but voiced frustration over arrears owed by the previous administration, which forced some rehabilitation centers to shut down.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitment to expand services, strengthen referral systems, and ensure that Liberia’s response to substance abuse is robust, inclusive, and sustainable.
As part of immediate interventions, the Substance Abuse Hotlines, 0773677740 and 0881950663, were officially announced, offering a lifeline for individuals and families seeking urgent assistance in navigating the challenges of substance use and mental health crises.