MoH and UNODC Launch ‘Strong Families’ Initiative to Combat Youth Drug Use

February 12, 2026
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a MoH official release

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has concluded a three-day intensive “Strong Families” drug prevention training program.

Posing for the camera after the training

Supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the workshop targeted local organizations on the front lines of community awareness and substance abuse prevention across Liberia.

Evidence-Based Prevention

The “Strong Families” program is an internationally recognized intervention specifically designed for families living in challenged settings. Unlike traditional “just say no” campaigns, this model focuses on the internal dynamics of the household to create a protective barrier against drug initiation.

Key pillars of the training included:

  • Strengthening Family Bonds: Techniques to foster emotional connection.
  • Communication Skills: Methods for parents and children to discuss high-risk topics.
  • Positive Parenting: Establishing boundaries while maintaining a supportive environment.

National Impact and Implementation

Liberia is among the first countries globally to adopt this structured program. By training local civil society organizations (CSOs), the Ministry aims to decentralize prevention services, moving them directly into neighborhoods where at-risk youth are most vulnerable.

Research indicates that robust family support systems are the single most effective deterrent against adolescent substance use. This initiative equips local partners to deliver these services through structured, community-based sessions.

Government Commitment

The Ministry of Health described the training as a critical component of a broader national strategy. In a statement following the close of the workshop, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-sectoral approach involving:

  1. Prevention: Through family and school-based programs.
  2. Treatment: Expanding access to clinical care.
  3. Rehabilitation: Supporting long-term recovery and reintegration.