DYNAMIC action alliance

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) have identified the drug crisis as a national emergency. However, efforts remain fragmented, underfunded, and reactive.   A proactive, community-driven, and youth-led solution is urgently needed.

Drug abuse in Liberia, particularly among the youth, has become a national health and security emergency. Rising rates of addiction to substances such as “kush,” tramadol, cocaine, heroin, and alcohol abuse are linked to unemployment, post-conflict trauma, and the breakdown of social systems. Liberia is also becoming a transit hub for regional drug trafficking, compounding internal risks. Liberia is facing a growing public health crisis due to the rise in drug abuse, especially among young people aged 10–35 in urban slums and rural towns alike.

 “Rise Above” is a youth-led, community-based program that empowers young people to resist drugs through prevention education, peer mentorship, counseling, and community engagement. Building on our successful pilot with RaMa Tender-Care Rehab Center (2025), the project will scale up proven interventions across Nimba, Bong, and Southern Counties.

In partnership with RaMa Tender-Care Rehab Center (2025), DyAA supported over 300 youth with detox, counseling, and skills training, and reached 1,200+ community members with prevention campaigns. Lessons learned from this successful pilot now form the blueprint for scaling “Rise Above.”