In a remarkable show of solidarity and determination, communities across Africa commemorated the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with impactful awareness events, parades, seminars, broadcasts, and school campaigns aimed at safeguarding youth and communities from the effects of drug abuse.

Africa, July 29, 2025 -- In a remarkable show of solidarity and determination, communities across Africa commemorated the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with impactful awareness events, parades, seminars, radio broadcasts, and school campaigns aimed at safeguarding youth and communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse.

Spearheaded by local chapters of the Drug-Free World campaign and partnering civil society organizations, thousands of students, officials, educators, and community volunteers came together in cities, villages, and townships to educate citizens, distribute vital educational materials, and rally communities around a drug-free future.

From Dodoma to Monrovia, Harare to Lagos, and from Buea to Kigali, the message was unified and urgent: Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.

In Dodoma, Tanzania, the Kibao Salama Foundation (KISAFO), as part of the Drug-Free World campaign, joined the country’s official national commemoration attended by Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa. More than 900 participants, including government officials, students, civil society groups, and 15 regional Drug-Free teams, convened for a multi-day awareness campaign culminating on 26 June. Over three days, KISAFO hosted interactive one-on-one sessions, distributed drug education booklets, and networked with decision-makers to promote a healthier, drug-free Tanzania.

In Monrovia, Liberia, the Drug-Free World Liberia Chapter celebrated the day with a vibrant event at Fisher Academy School, engaging over 300 students, teachers, and community guests. Students performed powerful dramas highlighting the harmful impact of drugs on youth and education. Teachers pledged to expand drug prevention awareness into surrounding communities suffering from drug-related issues.

In Gauteng, South Africa, Carmen Abu-Hiljah returned to Athlone Girls School in Alexandra for a third successful seminar, reaching the final group of 225 students with the Truth About Drugs campaign. After powerful discussions and real-life testimonials from survivors like Sannie Burna, the day ended with lively performances and inspiring words from Princess Daisy, leaving both students and educators moved and determined to remain drug-free.

In San Pedro, Ivory Coast, the NO TO DRUGS, YES TO LIFE Non-Profit Organization hosted a spirited 5-km parade despite torrential rains. Volunteers distributed over 600 Truth About Drugs booklets and held street discussions, with many residents requesting future awareness campaigns in every neighborhood to protect youth during the school holidays.

In Kigali, Rwanda, Love and Light Foundation met with the Rwanda Men’s National Cricket Team for a drug awareness and youth empowerment dialogue. 33 players shared personal stories and discussed the importance of staying drug-free in maintaining athletic excellence and personal integrity, receiving Drug-Free World educational booklets as resources for their broader communities.

In Mali, a new group, OLUCOS Mali, officially partnered with Drug-Free World Africa, receiving orientation and campaign materials to begin long-term anti-drug education initiatives in their communities.

In Buea, Cameroon, the Lesley Foundation, with 15 partner organizations, led a powerful street walk through Molyko. Volunteers carried anti-drug placards, distributed educational materials, and spoke directly to community members, amplifying the national message of prevention and unity.

Nigeria witnessed an unprecedented spread of commemorative activities:

• Kaduna State: Dr. Mandy Adebayo of Movina Values educated 270 students in two schools, addressing alarming teenage substance abuse rates.
• Kano State: LESPADA hosted two anti-drug awareness walks reaching over 1,000 students and community members in separate events, distributing booklets and engaging local media.
• Nasawara State: Aririatu Robinson’s team delivered school presentations to 200 students, training 15 teachers as new prevention ambassadors.
• Ogun State: The Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, in collaboration with the NDLEA, distributed hundreds of Truth About Drugs booklets during a large-scale event at MKO Abiola Sports Complex.
• Alimosho, Lagos: MENITOS Charity Foundation partnered with the NDLEA Alimosho Command and local youth corps members in a festive outreach distributing 800 booklets during a community awareness walk.
• Stampout, Lagos: Drug Abuse Initiative partnered with local politicians to educate 150 community members, youth, and medical professionals on the harms of drug use.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorations across Africa this year highlighted a continent-wide commitment to safeguarding youth, empowering communities, and confronting the scourge of drug abuse through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

Globally, Drug-Free World initiatives have reached over 60 million people across 190 countries. This Africa-wide mobilization in 2025 reaffirmed the continent’s leadership in drug prevention and youth empowerment.

“These events have shown the power of grassroots action, civil society leadership, and government collaboration in the fight against drugs,” said a regional Drug-Free World Africa coordinator. “Together, we are building a continent where youth can thrive free from the destructive grip of addiction.”

About the company: Foundation for a Drug-Free World Africa is the continental branch of the global nonprofit Foundation for a Drug-Free World, committed to empowering youth and communities through factual, engaging, and accessible drug education. Active across dozens of African countries, the organization partners with schools, civil society groups, faith leaders, and government agencies to deliver large-scale prevention campaigns and distribute The Truth About Drugs educational materials. From school seminars and street parades to national commemorations and sports outreach, Foundation for a Drug-Free World Africa mobilizes grassroots action to confront substance abuse and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles. As part of a global network reaching over 190 nations, the African chapter plays a leading role in advancing a drug-free future for the continent’s next generation.

Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Foundation For A Drug Free World Africa
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.notodrugs.co.za/

Video URL: https://youtu.be/iQVrtkst3Ns

Release ID: 89165864

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