Press Release - Clean Water, Clean Minds: Linking WASH Access to Prevention of Drug Abuse

Today, we want to draw your attention to a critical connection that is often overlooked: the link between access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and the growing crisis of drug abuse, particularly among our youth.

We are not here to talk about WASH in isolation — we are here to talk about how poor WASH access contributes to social breakdowns that can push people — especially vulnerable youth — towards drugs.

• Poor WASH Drives Hopelessness - In communities where clean water is scarce, toilets are unsafe, and hygiene services are inadequate, young people often feel abandoned by their leaders, system, and society. This can lead to a sense of neglect, frustration, and despair, which are known drivers of substance abuse.

• School Dropouts from WASH Insecurity - Girls who lack safe toilets drop out of school. Children who suffer waterborne illnesses miss learning opportunities. When young people are out of school and idle, they are more likely to fall into drug use, gangs, or crime. 

• Public Spaces and Open Defecation Sites Become Drug Dens - Poorly managed sanitation areas — open dumpsites, unlit public toilets — often become hideouts for drug users and criminal activity, increasing exposure and normalisation of drug abuse among children and adolescents.

• WASH Improves Mental Health and Dignity - Clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene promote a sense of dignity, health, and hope. These are protective factors against depression and escapism, both of which are tightly linked to drug use.

It is time we see WASH as a public health and social protection tool, not just a basic service. We call on:

• Government authorities increase district-level budget allocations for WASH in slums and high-risk areas. 

• CSOs and youth groups to include WASH access in drug prevention campaigns.

• Development partners and the private sector to support integrated programs that combine WASH services with youth empowerment and mental health support.

• Communities and parents advocate for clean environments and keep young people engaged in productive lives.

Water is life, but it is also a social prevention. Clean environments create clean minds. The fight against drug abuse must start not only with law enforcement, but with toilets, taps, and dignity. Liberia is facing a growing drug epidemic that is destroying lives, breaking families, and threatening the future of our youth. As a youth-led organization committed to education, leadership, and positive development, we join other well-meaning Liberians and organisations in raising our voices to say enough is enough. We must come together —young people, communities, and leaders — to confront this crisis with urgency, compassion, and action.

Henrietta Jimmy

Gender Coordinator - UYPETDL