Government of Japan and UNICEF Support Efforts to Protect Children and Youth in Samoa from Drugs
The Government of Japan, in partnership with the Government of Samoa and UNICEF, has launched a $900,000, four-year project to strengthen drug abuse prevention and response for youth in Samoa.
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April 24, 2026 – Apia, Samoa
The Government of Japan, the Government of Samoa, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have announced a new partnership to strengthen the prevention of and response to substance abuse among children and adolescents in Samoa. This initiative is being implemented amid growing concerns about the harmful effects of illicit drugs on the health, safety, and overall well-being of young people.
Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o, stated: "Children and adolescents are the foundation upon which Samoa’s future is built. By being protected, supported, and equipped with the right knowledge and values, they can make positive choices that benefit not only themselves but also their families, communities, and the entire nation. However, we all recognize that drug use, especially among our youth, is posing an increasing risk to their health, education, safety, and our social stability."
With financial support of US$900,000 from the Government of Japan, this four-year project will enhance awareness activities for children and families regarding the risks associated with drug use. It will improve counseling and recovery support and help make key services such as hospitals, police stations, courts, and schools safer for children. Furthermore, local communities will play a crucial role in supporting youth without blame or stigma.
"Based on the 'people-centered development' approach reaffirmed at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), the Government of Japan emphasizes building a society where the children and youth of Samoa can grow up safely and healthily, protected from the harms of drugs," said H.E. Mr. Suzuki Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa. "This initiative also reflects Japan's commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of children, adolescents, families, and communities, and to cooperating toward the realization of the 'Healthy Island Vision.' Through this project, Japan aims to strengthen cooperation between relevant agencies and communities to provide seamless support for drug prevention, early intervention, and recovery."
In Samoa, drug use and associated mental health issues among young people are becoming more serious. According to a survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 15 percent of adolescents and 12 percent of those aged 15 to 24 have tried drugs. Furthermore, frontline support organizations report an increase in adolescents coming into conflict with the law in drug-related cases, some of whom suffer from mental health issues triggered by drug use.
Samoan communities and service providers have repeatedly pointed to a lack of prevention, early intervention, and recovery services, especially for youth at risk.
Hamish Young, UNICEF Representative to the Pacific Island Countries, said: "In Samoa, far too many children and adolescents are suffering from drugs and the mental health issues that accompany them. This partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa comes at a critical time. By working together—families, communities, and service providers—young people are more likely to receive early support, stay connected to school and family, and build a future protected from the harm of drugs."
Through this project, parents and village leaders will acquire practical skills to create safe and caring homes where children and adolescents can recover from the effects of drugs, feel accepted, and reintegrate into their communities without stigma. Meanwhile, young people will have opportunities to receive advice and mentoring to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to make healthier choices.
The project will also encourage doctors, counselors, police officers, and social workers to recognize early signs in youth and respond with compassion and child-sensitive care, enabling support at an earlier stage. A baseline survey on drug use among children and adolescents is also planned to ensure that future policies and support services are formulated based on solid evidence.
Furthermore, safe and child- and youth-friendly spaces will be developed so that young people can seek help when needed. This includes day-care rooms within mental health wards and child-friendly interview and counseling rooms within relevant ministries, providing a place where young people can speak safely without fear or shame.
Through these efforts, 12,300 children and adolescents are expected to receive direct support. Additionally, drug issues, one of the most pressing social challenges in Samoa, will be addressed.
The Government of Japan, the Government of Samoa, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have announced a new partnership to strengthen the prevention of and response to substance abuse among children and adolescents in Samoa. This initiative is being implemented amid growing concerns about the harmful effects of illicit drugs on the health, safety, and overall well-being of young people.
Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o, stated: "Children and adolescents are the foundation upon which Samoa’s future is built. By being protected, supported, and equipped with the right knowledge and values, they can make positive choices that benefit not only themselves but also their families, communities, and the entire nation. However, we all recognize that drug use, especially among our youth, is posing an increasing risk to their health, education, safety, and our social stability."
With financial support of US$900,000 from the Government of Japan, this four-year project will enhance awareness activities for children and families regarding the risks associated with drug use. It will improve counseling and recovery support and help make key services such as hospitals, police stations, courts, and schools safer for children. Furthermore, local communities will play a crucial role in supporting youth without blame or stigma.
"Based on the 'people-centered development' approach reaffirmed at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), the Government of Japan emphasizes building a society where the children and youth of Samoa can grow up safely and healthily, protected from the harms of drugs," said H.E. Mr. Suzuki Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa. "This initiative also reflects Japan's commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of children, adolescents, families, and communities, and to cooperating toward the realization of the 'Healthy Island Vision.' Through this project, Japan aims to strengthen cooperation between relevant agencies and communities to provide seamless support for drug prevention, early intervention, and recovery."
In Samoa, drug use and associated mental health issues among young people are becoming more serious. According to a survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 15 percent of adolescents and 12 percent of those aged 15 to 24 have tried drugs. Furthermore, frontline support organizations report an increase in adolescents coming into conflict with the law in drug-related cases, some of whom suffer from mental health issues triggered by drug use.
Samoan communities and service providers have repeatedly pointed to a lack of prevention, early intervention, and recovery services, especially for youth at risk.
Hamish Young, UNICEF Representative to the Pacific Island Countries, said: "In Samoa, far too many children and adolescents are suffering from drugs and the mental health issues that accompany them. This partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa comes at a critical time. By working together—families, communities, and service providers—young people are more likely to receive early support, stay connected to school and family, and build a future protected from the harm of drugs."
Through this project, parents and village leaders will acquire practical skills to create safe and caring homes where children and adolescents can recover from the effects of drugs, feel accepted, and reintegrate into their communities without stigma. Meanwhile, young people will have opportunities to receive advice and mentoring to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to make healthier choices.
The project will also encourage doctors, counselors, police officers, and social workers to recognize early signs in youth and respond with compassion and child-sensitive care, enabling support at an earlier stage. A baseline survey on drug use among children and adolescents is also planned to ensure that future policies and support services are formulated based on solid evidence.
Furthermore, safe and child- and youth-friendly spaces will be developed so that young people can seek help when needed. This includes day-care rooms within mental health wards and child-friendly interview and counseling rooms within relevant ministries, providing a place where young people can speak safely without fear or shame.
Through these efforts, 12,300 children and adolescents are expected to receive direct support. Additionally, drug issues, one of the most pressing social challenges in Samoa, will be addressed.