GASD Boss Criticizes Liberia's Inadequate Response to Drug Abuse at Africa Hearing on Drug Use Prevention

James Koryor, Executive Director, GASD

In a compelling address at the 2024 Global Initiative Africa Hearing on Drug Use Prevention, James Koryor, Executive Director of Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD, underscored Liberia's ongoing struggle against the pervasive issue of drug abuse. Highlighting critical gaps in the government's approach, Koryor emphasized that current efforts fall short of effectively addressing the escalating crisis.

"Liberia's fight against substance abuse remains largely rhetorical, with insufficient action to match the magnitude of the problem," stated Koryor. He pointed out that the allocation of merely 1.7 million or 0.23% of the national budget to drug user rehabilitation reflects a stark disparity in addressing the needs of over one million substance users across Liberia, declared a national health emergency.

Historically shaped by civil conflict and economic instability, Liberia has witnessed a troubling rise in drug abuse, encompassing cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs. This trend poses significant threats to public health, safety, and socio-economic development, exacerbating vulnerabilities among the youth and eroding social structures.

Koryor acknowledged Liberia's legislative efforts, noting the enactment of the Drug Law in 2014 as a pivotal step towards curbing illicit drug activities. However, he pointed out its predominantly punitive focus, contributing to overcrowded prisons and neglecting crucial aspects of prevention and rehabilitation.

"In response to evolving challenges, Liberia amended its drug laws in 2023, marking progress towards comprehensive reform," Koryor highlighted. The amended law prioritizes harm reduction, rehabilitation, and reintegration, yet falls short in establishing clear and comprehensive prevention strategies.

Addressing critical gaps in Liberia's approach, Koryor stressed the urgent need for a coherent national drug prevention strategy. This strategy should integrate public health, education, and law enforcement efforts, bolstered by community-based programs and enhanced public awareness campaigns. Collaboration with international partners is essential to leverage resources and expertise in combating drug abuse effectively.

"To mitigate the adverse effects of drug abuse and build a resilient society, Liberia must adopt evidence-based prevention approaches," Koryor asserted. He emphasized the importance of robust data collection, research on drug abuse trends, and targeted interventions to curb its spread among vulnerable populations.

GASD remains committed to partnering with stakeholders in Liberia and across Africa to advance sustainable solutions in drug use prevention and foster healthier communities.

GASD and Partners Holds Stakeholder Roundtable on Substance Abuse Prevention in Liberia… Present the Declaration of Oviedo

Cross Session of Participants

In a significant step towards combating substance abuse in Liberia, the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Federation of Liberian Youth, convened a National Stakeholder Roundtable on Substance Abuse Prevention. This one-day event, held on June 20, 2024, brought together over fifty key stakeholders from various sectors across Liberia. The assembly included government officials, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, including youth and students, united under the shared goal of strengthening Liberia's efforts to fight substance abuse and fostering a safer, healthier nation.

The roundtable was organized in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26th. This day serves as a critical platform to address the worldwide challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and action towards a drug-free society. For Liberia, this observance provided an opportune moment to spotlight national efforts in drug prevention and align with global initiatives.

In 2024, Liberia leveraged this occasion to launch the 2024 Global Initiative on Drug Use Prevention, encapsulated in "The Declaration of Oviedo." This initiative highlights evidence-based strategies and collaborative efforts essential for preventing drug abuse, particularly tailored to address Liberia's unique challenges. The Declaration of Oviedo underscores the importance of a national drug prevention policy or law, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, coordinated actions.

- Dr. Moses Ziah, Director, Mental Health Unit-MOH

Dr. Moses Ziah, representing the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the Government of Liberia's commitment to tackling substance abuse. He highlighted various measures and initiatives undertaken by the government, notably the establishment of a multisectoral taskforce coordinated by the Ministry of Health. Despite these efforts, Dr. Ziah acknowledged ongoing challenges and stressed the crucial role of civil society in supporting the government and other stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse.

Hon. Thomas A. Goshua, II Representative District # 5, Grand Bassa County

Hon. Thomas A. Goshua, II, Representative of District #5, Grand Bassa County, addressed the roundtable, highlighting legislative efforts to amend the drug law. He expressed frustration over the insufficient government funding allocated to address substance abuse, which has been declared a public health emergency. Hon. Goshua called for increased financial commitment to effectively tackle this pressing issue.

During a panel discussion, key figures including Mr. Joseph Quoi of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Rueben Bobby Logan, Focus Person-WANSCA, and Mr. Barton Dweh of the World Health Organization-Liberia, explored critical topics such as effective drug prevention strategies, policy development and implementation, and addressing the root causes of drug abuse in Liberia. Discussion points included socioeconomic factors, community and family dynamics, cultural influences, and the effectiveness of current government policies. The objective was to identify and discuss the fundamental causes of drug abuse in Liberia and propose holistic strategies targeting these root causes.

International participants included Dr. Wadih Maalouf, UNODC Global Coordinator for Prevention, who emphasized the need for investment in prevention, as highlighted in this year's global theme for World Drug Day. Mr. Oriol Esculies, Coordinator for the Global Initiative on Drug Use Prevention, presented the Declaration of Oviedo and commended Liberia, particularly GASD, for being one of the first organizations in West Africa to present the Declaration to stakeholders, including the government.

James Koryor, Executive Director of GASD, stressed the importance of government investment in prevention, stating that the evidence is clear. He urged that the national budget should address the current drug situation rather than relying on partner support. Koryor called for all actors to join the fight against substance abuse in Liberia, with a particular focus on prevention.

Additional speakers included Abdullah O. Bility, Vice President of the Federation of Liberian Youth, Mrs. Famatta Williams-Innis, Assistant Director, Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Mr. McCarthy Teayah, National Program Manager, GASD, and representatives from local civil society organizations. The event marked a pivotal moment in Liberia's ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse, fostering collaboration and commitment among all stakeholders to create a drug-free society. The event was moderated by Mr. Samuel James Kpartor, Program Manager of the Federation of Liberian Youth-FLY.

Receiving the Declaration of Oviedo on Behalf of the Government of Liberia

The National Stakeholder Roundtable on Substance Abuse Prevention in Liberia not only underscored the urgency of addressing substance abuse but also set the stage for sustained, coordinated efforts to tackle this critical issue. With the presentation of the Declaration of Oviedo, Liberia reaffirmed its dedication to preventing drug abuse and contributing to a healthier, safer future for all its citizens.

CSO participant

Mrs. Famatta Williams-Innis Assistant Director, Mental Health Unit- MOH

Samuel Kpartor, Program Manager, FLY

Mr. Rueben Bobby Logan, Focus Person-WANSCA

CSOs Participants

GASD, LINSU Set to Launch Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program... holds Strategic Partnership Meeting with MCSS

Earlier today, the Program Management Team of the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School Based Intervention Program met with the Leadership of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS). Speaking at the Strategic partnership meeting, the Superintendent of the MCSS Hon. Isaac Saye-Lakpoh Zawolo welcome the team and expressed his organization interest in the partnership that is intended to see the SAFE Program been implemented across all MCSS Schools.

Mr. Zawolo welcomed the partnership and stressed that his institution will work with the SAFE Program implementers to have a successful implementation of the program across all MCSS schools focusing Junior and senior high schools.

Making a summary presentation, Christopher Saah Bangaou, SAFE Program Manager, inform the principals and executive of the MCSS that the SAFE Program is a pioneering initiative developed by the Global Action for Sustainable Development in partnership with the Liberia National Students Union aimed at addressing the critical issue of substance abuse among school-going children and young people in Liberia. As the first evidence-based drug prevention school-based intervention in the nation.

The SAFE Program Manager stressed that the SAFE is strategically designed to enhance drug prevention efforts across all schools in Liberia. Considering the program's potential impact, we are eager to explore the possibility of collaboration with the Monrovia Consolidated School System. We believe that your commitment to education aligns with our goals, and a partnership would significantly contribute to the success of the SAFE Program, Mr. Bangaou noted.

He further stated that the primary goal of the SAFE Program is to equip students with the skills necessary to develop, adopt, and sustain healthy attitudes and behaviors, fostering a drug-free society. The program focuses on three key strategies: School Policy, School Climate, and Prevention Curriculum. Tailored intervention activities will be informed by comprehensive data, including student-school survey data, archival data, and input from the Prevention Leadership Action Team.

Also speaking, the Deputy Secretary for Programs at the Liberia National Student Union, Alvin Fiaka stressed that partnering with the MCSS will have a significant impact on the program and overall the student population and highlighted the next steps with the engagement with the MCSS to have a successful launch of the program in the coming weeks.

Other members of the SAFE Team included, Mr. McCarthy Teayah, National Program Director of GASD and Presidential press Secretary of LINSU.