Apia, Samoa, 5 August 2026, MFSA in Action. Samoa has taken an important step towards a coordinated national response to prevent drug-related harm and strengthen support for children, young people and families.
The National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa: Prevention of Drug-Related Harm among Children and Adolescents held its inaugural meeting today to agree on the direction, governance and immediate priorities of the national initiative.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, Loau Donina Va‘a, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration – Samoa, le Afioga Papali‘i John Taimalelagi.
It was convened with the support of UNICEF and attended by representatives of the, Ministry of Health Samoa Ministry of Education and Culture and the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services.
The Ministry of Health has been identified as a key partner, given the close links between drug-related harm, mental health, trauma, dependency, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.
The initiative recognises that drug-related harm cannot be addressed through law enforcement or public awareness alone. Samoa requires a coordinated approach that brings together prevention, research, family and community support, mental-health services, rehabilitation, legislation and enforcement.
Loau provided background on the development of the initiative, including MFSA’s initial request in 2024 for support to undertake national research and awareness activities on drug-related harm.
She emphasised that Samoa’s response must be guided by credible evidence and a clear understanding of the issues.
“We need to understand the nature, scale and causes of drug-related harm in Samoa, who is most at risk, and where the gaps are in our current systems. This evidence will enable Government and communities to invest in responses that are effective, culturally appropriate and sustainable,” said Loau.
“Reaponses should be guided by credible evidence and a clear understanding of the issues..”
The MFSA CEO acknowledged UNICEF for its continued partnership and support in securing approximately US$900,000 for the initiative. A Whole of Government and Community Response.
The Drug-Free Samoa initiative will bring together the respective strengths of Government ministries, law enforcement agencies, villages, churches, schools, families, young people, civil society organisations and development partners.
Its key areas of work will include:
• National research and data collection.
• Evidence-informed prevention and public awareness.
• Family and community capacity building.
• Early identification and referral.
• Mental-health and counselling support.
• Treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.
• Review of relevant laws, policies and regulatory arrangements.
Le Afioga Papali‘i highlighted the importance of progressing Samoa’s legislative and rehabilitation responses alongside prevention and community education.
A significant portion of the project funding will support the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration to strengthen the rehabilitation component for children and adolescents affected by drug-related harm.
This component will be closely monitored and evaluated. Its results, challenges and lessons will inform recommendations for a sustainable national rehabilitation and reintegration model beyond the initial project period.
Immediate Priorities to 30 August 2026
The Working Group agreed that the following actions must be progressed by 30 August 2026:
1. Endorse the Working Group’s Terms of Reference.
2. Endorse the national workplan and implementation roadmap.
3. Progress the engagement of a local researcher to support the national evidence and research component.
4. MFSA to provide a draft – evidence-informed and culturally appropriate prevention and public-awareness approach.
5. MJCA to draft a proposal – review of relevant laws, policies and regulatory arrangements.
The Working Group will oversee progress and ensure that the different components are coordinated, measurable and focused on practical results for children, young people, families and communities. The inaugural meeting represents the beginning of a significant new chapter in Samoa’s national efforts to prevent drug related harm.
Through the Drug-Free Samoa: Protecting Children, Young People and Families from Drug-Related Harm initiative, Government and its partners will work together to build informed communities.
That means to strengthen families, support young people and ensure that those affected can access appropriate help, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery without stigma, blame or shame.
“DrugFree Samoa begins with informed communities, strong families, supported young people and accessible pathways to help and recovery.”
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