IOM Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign

From the 2nd to the 4th of February, the Collaborative Safety and Security Framework team conducted a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign in Balcad, Middle Shabelle region. The initiative engaged young people, giving them a platform to identify emerging trends, existing gaps, and the root causes driving youth toward drug use. It brought together pharmaceutical stakeholders, the police, and community members, including parents, teachers, and elders to deepen their understanding of drug abuse and addiction, and their impact on individuals, families, and the wider community. By promoting open dialogue and collective prevention, the campaign aimed to reduce stigma, and conflict associated with drug abuse, build trust, strengthen community–law enforcement cooperation, and foster safer, more cohesive, and peaceful communities.