A powerful testimony from a young man who escaped the vicious cycle of drug addiction moved the entire audience at an anti-drug awareness campaign in Monrovia.
The event, attended by 300 young people from various parts of the city, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The young man, who shared his harrowing experience, urged his peers to never succumb to the poison of drug addiction. “I implore you, never give in to the temptation of drugs,” he said, his words echoing the sentiments of the gathered youth.
The participants, who gathered to declare their rejection of drugs, condemned drug cartels and detailed the devastating effects of narcotics on their generation. These repercussions include a public health crisis, with severe psychiatric disorders, a breeding ground for gangs and traffickers, and a surge in delinquency, including theft and violent crimes to fund addiction.
The youth also stressed the prevalence of school dropouts, particularly in underprivileged communities, as a consequence of drug abuse. Consequently, they appealed to the Liberian government to intensify poverty alleviation efforts, increase investment in educational infrastructure, create youth employment opportunities, and strengthen prevention and rehabilitation programs for social and professional reintegration.
The Liberian Minister of Youth and Sports, who attended the event, acknowledged that the proliferation of drugs and addiction constitutes a national health emergency. “The government is committed to addressing the root causes of the issue,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling the problem.
The government has demonstrated its commitment through expanded public awareness campaigns, large-scale rehabilitation of social and vocational reintegration centers, and the construction of a neuropsychiatric hospital. An interministerial task force has also been established to combat drug abuse, comprising representatives from various ministries and the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency.
The event was preceded by a two-kilometer march, symbolising the youth’s collective stance: “No to drugs, yes to life.” The march and the testimony served as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of drug abuse and the importance of collective action to address the issue.
“We are determined to tackle this problem head-on,” the Minister said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the youth and promoting a healthy and productive society.