The Ministry of Health has expanded efforts to prevent drug and substance abuse by rolling out the Strong Families Program in communities across Liberia.
The initiative is being carried out 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), as well as local community and civil society organizations.
The program is designed to help parents and caregivers build stronger relationships with their children while giving young people the skills to make better decisions and avoid drug use.
Liberia is among the first countries to introduce the Strong Families Program, an approach that focuses on preventing substance abuse by strengthening families rather than responding only after problems arise.
Health officials say many children are less likely to engage in risky behavior when they grow up in homes where parents communicate openly, provide guidance, and remain actively involved in their lives.
Through the program, parents and caregivers receive practical training on improving communication, setting clear rules, supervising their children, and creating a stable and supportive home environment.
Children who take part in the sessions learn how to build self-confidence, manage peer pressure, solve problems, and make responsible choices. The lessons are intended to help them avoid drugs and other behaviors that could affect their future.
Community organizations are playing an important role in delivering the program, working closely with families to ensure the training reaches neighborhoods where young people face increasing social and economic challenges.
Officials at the Ministry of Health say preventing drug use begins at home. They believe families, schools, community leaders, and development partners all have a role to play in helping young people make healthy choices and stay away from harmful substances.
As the program continues to expand, the government and its partners hope more families will benefit from the training, giving children a stronger foundation for healthy growth while helping communities reduce the impact of drug abuse.
