Published: July 23, 2025
MONROVIA — With Liberia’s drug epidemic deepening, youth advocate Hanson G. Blayon is calling on the government to urgently build national rehabilitation centers and tighten border security to curb the spread of narcotics and save a generation at risk.
Blayon’s plea comes as the country prepares for the August 7 “Say No to Drugs” campaign—a growing grassroots movement backed by civil society, media, and government actors under the rallying cry, “Say No to Drug.” The campaign has triggered widespread public engagement across social media and community forums.
“The reality is heartbreaking: our future is being stolen, one generation at a time,” Blayon warned. “If we fail to act decisively, we’ll lose a vital part of our workforce—the very fabric of our potential.”
He urged the government to stop relying on promises and instead fund the construction of full-scale rehabilitation centers capable of treating at least 400 patients at a time. His proposal includes integrated services for addiction recovery, mental health support, vocational training, and reintegration programs.
Blayon also called for aggressive reforms at Liberia’s entry points, including the deployment of modern drug detection technology and tighter law enforcement to disrupt trafficking routes. He emphasized that communities must be empowered to identify drug hotspots and support grassroots recovery efforts.
“This demands urgent government intervention—not empty promises, but tangible actions that drive real change,” he said.
The advocate described Liberia’s drug problem as a national emergency, with young people disproportionately affected. “Nearly every Liberian knows someone trapped in addiction,” he said. “Enough is enough.”
He called on all citizens to support the August 7 campaign and make it a turning point in the national fight against drugs.
“This is a call to action,” Blayon declared. “Unity is our only hope to reclaim our future and protect the next generation.”
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