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