Apia, Samoa, 15 April 2026 – The Governments of Samoa and Japan, together with UNICEF, announced a new partnership today to strengthen prevention and response to drug abuse among children and adolescents* in Samoa. The initiative comes amid growing concern about the harmful impact of illicit drugs on young people’s health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
“Children and adolescents are the foundation of Samoa’s future. When they are protected, supported, and given the right knowledge and values, they are empowered to make positive choices that benefit not only themselves, but their families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” said the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo. “However, we are all aware that substance use – particularly among young people – poses growing risks to health, education, safety, and social stability.”
With US$900,000 in support from the Government of Japan, the four-year project will focus on strengthening awareness amongst children and families on risks associated with drug use. It will improve counselling and recovery support, making key services – including hospitals, police stations, courts, and schools – safer for children. Communities will also play a key role in supporting young people without blame or stigma.
“The Government of Japan places importance on building a society in which children and young people in Samoa can grow up safe, healthy, and free from the harms of drugs, in line with the People-Centered Development approach reaffirmed at PALM10,” said the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Ryotaro Suzuki. “This initiative also reflects Japan’s commitment to cooperate toward the Healthy Islands Vision by supporting the wellbeing and resilience of children, adolescents, families, and communities. Through this project, Japan hopes to strengthen a coordinated system in which relevant institutions and communities work together to provide seamless support for prevention, early intervention, and recovery.”
Samoa has seen a concerning rise in drug use and related mental health challenges among young people. According to studies by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 15 per cent of teenagers and 12 per cent of young people aged 15–24 have experimented with drugs. In addition, frontline services report an increase in the number of adolescents coming into contact with the law for drug related cases, with some experiencing drug-induced mental health issues.
Samoan communities and service providers have repeatedly flagged gaps in prevention, early support, and recovery services, especially for young people who are at risk.
“Too many children and adolescents in Samoa are being affected by drugs and the mental health challenges that come with it,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Hamish Young. “This partnership with the Governments of Japan and Samoa comes at a critical time. When families, communities, and services work together, young people are more likely to get help early, stay connected to school and family, as well as build a future free from harm.”
Through this project, parents and village leaders will gain practical skills to create safe, caring homes where children and adolescents can recover, feel accepted, as well as re-enter community life without stigma. Young people will receive guidance, mentoring, and opportunities to build skills, confidence, and resilience so they can make healthier choices.
The project will also help doctors, counsellors, police, and social workers support young people earlier by recognizing warning signs and responding in a caring, child-friendly way. A baseline study on child and adolescent drug use will be carried out to ensure future policies and services are guided by real evidence.
Safe, child- and adolescent-friendly spaces will be upgraded so young people can seek help when they need it. This includes a day recovery room in the mental health unit, as well as child-sensitive interview and counselling rooms within relevant government ministries, giving young people a safe place to talk without fear or shame.
The collaboration is expected to reach 12,300 children and adolescents directly. A further 50,000 people will be reached through nationwide outreach and media campaigns against one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
The project will be delivered in close partnership with the Government of Samoa, through the lead coordination of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. Support will be provided from the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Ministry of Education and Culture, and Ministry of Sports and Recreation. In addition, faith-based and civil society organisations, village representatives, community leaders, as well as children and young people will be closely involved.
This article is a joint press release from the Government of Samoa, the Embassy of Japan in Samoa, and UNICEF Pacific.
For more information, please contact
Ms. Laulu Miriama Elisaia | Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration | [email protected]
Ms. Tomomi ISHIKAWA | Embassy of Japan in Samoa | +685 21187 | [email protected]
Ms. Zubnah Khan | UNICEF Pacific | +679 9988 137 | [email protected]
About the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration in Samoa
The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA) plays a central role in legislative reform, working closely with government and the public to gather input, provide sound policy advice, and support the development of justice related legislation aimed at improving the legal framework of Samoa. In addition, the MJCA supports the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law, including managing court processes, overseeing the Law and Justice Sector, facilitating the enforcement of court-imposed penalties, and maintaining the systems that ensure fair and accountable judicial proceedings. Through these functions, the MJCA strengthens the justice system by ensuring that courts have the administrative structure, legislative backing, and operational support necessary to perform their constitutional duties independently and effectively.
About the Embassy of Japan in Samoa
The Embassy of Japan in Samoa serves as the official diplomatic mission representing the Government of Japan to the Independent State of Samoa. It is dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations through economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and providing essential consular services to Japanese and local citizens. Follow EoJ HP on Facebook.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF Pacific and its work for children, follow UNICEF Pacific on Twitter and Facebook.
