(Monrovia, July 13, 2026) The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and local community-based organizations and civil society organizations, continues to implement the evidence-based ’Strong Families Program’* in communities across Liberia.
As one of the early countries globally to implement this program, Liberia is strengthening drug-use prevention at the community level by working directly with families, the nucleus of society.
The Strong Families Program equips parents and caregivers with practical skills to promote positive family functioning, strengthen communication and family bonds, establish appropriate rules and supervision, and create supportive home environments. Children are also helped to develop confidence, resilience, responsible decision-making, and skills to resist negative peer pressure and substance use. These interventions can improve the mental well-being of both children and caregivers while reducing behavioral and emotional difficulties, family conflict, and other harmful behaviours.
UNODC describes family-skills programs as effective approaches to preventing substance use and related social and health problems.
To date, the program has reached *more than 100 families in several communities*, promoting:
* Stronger family bonds and positive family values;
* Improved parenting, communication, and supervision skills;
* Better mental well-being and social cohesion;
* Greater resilience among children and caregivers; and
* Refusal, decision-making, and problem-solving skills among children.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing drugs and substance use through a comprehensive public-health approach encompassing *prevention, treatment, harm reduction, rehabilitation and social reintegration*.
By strengthening families, we strengthen communities and build a healthier, safer and more resilient Liberia.
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