(Monrovia, Liberia, March 2, 2025) – In a concerted effort to tackle drug and substance abuse among young people, the Multi-sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse convened a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting to develop a comprehensive school manual on substance use prevention. The engagement brought together key stakeholders from various government ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).

Also participating were UN partners led by UNFPA, alongside representatives from civil society organizations such as the Federation for Liberia Youth (FLY), YMCA, YWCA, the National Commission on Disability, and other relevant groups. The primary objective of the engagement is to integrate the school manual into the national curriculum, ensuring that students receive essential education on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The manual will serve as an important tool in promoting healthy behaviors, informed decision-making, and resistance to peer pressure among school-going youth. Recognizing the need for broader outreach, the Committee is also developing a community-based version of the manual to target out-of-school youth. The approach seeks to provide accurate information, raise awareness, and foster drug-free communities by engaging young people beyond formal school settings. The Multi-sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse commended all participating stakeholders and partners for their continued commitment to protecting Liberia’s youth.