The Ministry of Health (MoH), through its Mental Health Unit, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has successfully conducted a three-day Strong Families Drug Prevention Training.
The program brought together representatives from numerous local organizations actively engaged in drug prevention, youth advocacy, and community awareness across Liberia. Participants received hands-on, evidence-based training aimed at equipping families to prevent substance use among children and adolescents.
Liberia is among the first countries worldwide to implement the internationally recognized Strong Families Programme, an intervention designed to strengthen family bonds, enhance communication, and promote positive parenting practices.
Studies supporting the program indicate that improved family dynamics significantly reduce the risk of substance abuse among young people, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies grounded in family engagement.
During the training sessions, participants were introduced to practical tools for supporting families, including strategies for building trust, managing stress, and fostering open dialogue between parents and children.
Dr. Sia Kanneh, Director of the MoH Mental Health Unit, emphasized the critical role of families in prevention. “Substance abuse prevention begins at home. Strong, supportive families are the first line of defense against drug use,” she said.
UNODC representative, Ms. Amina Khalid, lauded Liberia’s leadership in adopting an evidence-based approach. “The Strong Families Programme is globally recognized for its effectiveness. Liberia’s proactive engagement demonstrates a commitment to protecting its youth and building resilient communities,” she noted.
The training also included modules on monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, ensuring that interventions remain responsive to local community needs and culturally appropriate.
Participants expressed optimism about applying the skills acquired during the sessions within their communities. Several organizations highlighted plans to conduct workshops, mentoring sessions, and community outreach programs targeting both urban and rural areas.
The initiative is part of Liberia’s broader national strategy to combat drug abuse, which encompasses prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners.
Dr. Kanneh affirmed the Ministry’s dedication to sustaining momentum. “This training is a foundational step. Our goal is to scale family-based prevention programs nationwide, ensuring that every child and adolescent has access to supportive family environments.”
The INL has pledged continued support to strengthen the capacity of local organizations, enhance community-based interventions, and ensure that Liberia’s youth are shielded from the risks associated with substance use.
Liberia’s adoption of the Strong Families Programme sets a precedent in West Africa, demonstrating the potential for family-centered, evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce youth vulnerability to drug abuse.
As trained organizations roll out initiatives across the country, Liberia aims to foster a coordinated national response to substance use prevention, creating safer, healthier communities for its younger generations.
