PHOTO: Thomas Tamba Bundoo Executive Director of Hope for Young people Incorporated
A civil society group under the banner, “Hope for Young People Inc.” has lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his to expressed determination to fight narcotic drugs in Liberia by declaring Drug Abuse as a National Health Emergency.
In a release issued on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the group’s Executive Director Thomas Tamba Bundoo said that the quest by the new Liberian leader to establish a Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee and a call to actions show how prepared his government is to fight drug substance abuse in the country.
In his first State of the Nation Address on Monday January 29, 2024, President Joseph Boakai said the drugs epidemic, especially the use of “KUSH”, is an existential threat eating away the future of the country.
“We must stand up and face this national security risk together. Given the need for immediate action to make good my pledge to the thousands of families burdened by this crisis,” Liberia’s 25th President said.
As a means of tackling this national Emergency, President Boakai established a multi-sectoral steering committee comprising the Ministry of Health – Chair Ministry of Justice – Co-Chair Ministry of Youth and Sports- Member Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection – Member Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) – Member and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) – Member.
“In this fight, me and my Vice President, we will be the first to take a drug test and I urge all others to follow,” President Boakai noted.
The head of the Hope for Young People Incorporated wants President Boakai to include the Religious Community, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) on the steering committee as a means of fostering the fight in good harmony.
Moreover, the Liberian youth leader has also thanked President Boakai, for committing he and his vice president to be the first in making the drug test as commendable,
He said these are steps in the right direction that they as activists have been calling for over the years; noting that such pronouncement shows the government readiness to fight the proliferation of illicit drugs and other harmful substances in the country.
“We are grateful Mr. President for your timely intervention, which when implemented will rescue thousands for youth from being addicted to drugs and restore the dignity and true identities of many young people who have lost their way because of drug addiction.” Thomas Bundoo said.
The Hope for Young People Inc, Executive Director is a civil society organization that is said to be playing a crucial role in addressing drug and substance abuse in the community.
According to Mr. Tamba, his group is currently engaged with the fight against substance abuse and are making a meaningful impact in the republic.
He lamented that religious communities, for example, often have a strong influence on the beliefs and behaviors of their members as such by involving them will make a great help.
They can provide moral guidance, support, and counseling to individuals and families affected by drug abuse, Mr. Bundoo said.
Additionally, they can also provide educational programs and outreach initiatives to prevent drug abuse in the first place.
“CSOs and CBOs are also essential partners in addressing drug abuse. They often have grassroots connections and are deeply embedded in the communities they serve,” Mr. Bundoo continues.