By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia — The Presidential Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse has stepped up engagement with service providers and key stakeholders in a concerted effort to address Liberia’s escalating drug and substance abuse crisis.
The meeting, held Wednesday, August 20, convened service providers, policymakers, and international partners to strengthen collaboration, enhance referral pathways, and explore innovative interventions to tackle the substance use epidemic.
This gathering followed a two-day technical working session from August 18–19, during which the Technical Working Group of the multi-sectoral committee developed a strategic framework aimed at charting a new course in Liberia’s fight against drug abuse.
Speaking at the meeting, Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in supporting government initiatives. “We acknowledge your contributions, and we are eager to work with you as a team to provide quality services and improved referral pathways for substance users,” Dr. Kpoto said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, welcoming the presence of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, noting that such partnerships are critical for scaling up efforts against what she described as a “national emergency threatening the future of Liberia.”
WHO Representative Dr. Olushayo Olu commended President Joseph Boakai’s administration for prioritizing the national drug response but warned of severe consequences if immediate action is not taken. “If care is not taken immediately, the crisis could erode the very future of the nation,” Dr. Olu cautioned.
The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to a multi-sectoral approach in addressing substance abuse, combining policy, service delivery, and international collaboration to curb the growing public health threat.
