The Presidential Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse has intensified its engagement with service providers as part of a national effort to curb the spiraling drug and substance abuse crisis. The meeting held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, brought together service providers, policymakers, and international partners to deepen collaboration, strengthen referral pathways, and explore innovative interventions to confront the substance use epidemic.
According to a press release dated August 20, 2025, the gathering followed a two-day technical working session convened by the Technical Working Group of the multi-sectoral committee on August 18–19, which crafted a strategic framework to chart a new course in Liberia’s battle against drug abuse.
Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, who opened the meeting, underscored the indispensable role of the private sector in complementing the government’s response. “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 declared.
She lauded the presence of World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, adding that such collaboration is vital for scaling up efforts against a crisis 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 drug fight, but cautioned that inaction could result in devastating consequences for the country. “If care is not taken immediately, the crisis could erode the very future of the nation,” Dr. Olu warned.
