Distinguished Guest;
Representatives of Government;
Development Partners;
Civil Society Organizations;
Members of the Multisectoral Steering Committee;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today’s launch represents of National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030) is a significant milestone in Liberia’s collective effort to confront the growing challenge of drugs and substance abuse.
I am honored to join fellow government officials, development partners, civil society actors, and community leaders at the unveiling of Liberia’s first National Anti-Drug Action Plan (2025–2030), a strategic framework that demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting the wellbeing of our people, especially women, children, and vulnerable populations.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection welcomes this multisectoral intervention because drug abuse in Liberia has a devastating impact on women and children, contributing to a cycle of violence, exploitation, and health crises.
Women are often forced into commercial sex work to support habits, and the overall crisis fuels gender-based violence (GBV), while children face neglect, a high risk of substance use themselves, and a loss of educational opportunities.
Drug and substance abuse is not only a public health or security concern, but a serious social protection issue. This Action Plan is therefore timely, as it prioritizes prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, harm reduction, and social reintegration as essential components of a holistic national response.
We commend this Multisectoral Steering Committee for developing, for the first time, a coordinated national approach that expands both demand and supply reduction interventions across all 15 counties. The comprehensive scope of this Plan, covering prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, law enforcement, as well as legal reforms, aligns strongly with our Ministry’s mandate to safeguard human dignity and ensure inclusive social protection interventions.
As we officially launch this National Anti-Drug Action Plan, I call on all stakeholders to translate this policy framework into meaningful action. We must cease this opportunity and embark on a joint intervention, working hand-in-hand, collaboratively with determination to ensure an effective implementation with no room for excuses.
With this commitment, we are on the right trajectory to redeem our next generation from the harmful impact of drug abuse, and build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Liberia.
On that note, I like to extend a Big Congratulations to the Committee for a job well done.
Thank you.
