Protecting the Future of Children in Developing Countries from Drug Abuse

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the alarming rates of drug abuse among youth in developing countries. Many children fall victim to substance misuse without adequate information or awareness, putting their physical and mental health at significant risk. In response to this pressing issue, the Japan-based Drug Abuse Prevention Center has been leading an important initiative since 1993, known as the ‘No Drugs. Absolutely.’ UN support fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to support educational and awareness-raising activities that target drug abuse prevention, particularly in economically disadvantaged nations.

The rise in drug-related incidents has also been alarming within Japan itself. Recent statistics reveal that more than 10,000 individuals are arrested annually for drug-related offenses, with a noticeable spike in the number of youths under the age of 20 charged with marijuana offenses in 2023. Social media platforms have exacerbated this situation, with misleading posts promoting the idea that using drugs such as marijuana is harmless, making it increasingly accessible for teenagers to purchase drugs secretively. Reports have highlighted instances of drug abuse among youths not just in urban areas but also in smaller regional cities.

Globally, it has been estimated that around 292 million people are currently using drugs, representing a staggering increase of 49 million since 2012, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This translates to roughly 1 in 18 individuals aged 15 to 64 worldwide engaging in drug use.

Against this backdrop, the Drug Abuse Prevention Center has channeled its efforts toward supporting countries lacking sufficient educational infrastructure to combat drug abuse due to various socioeconomic issues. The organization emphasizes the need to provide accurate information about drugs to children in developing and middle-income countries to protect them from the dangers of substance abuse. By collaborating with UNODC, the foundation has supported numerous NGOs that focus on promoting healthy lifestyles through drug abuse prevention education.

One noteworthy success story comes from Ecuador. Through funding from the UN support campaign, a 17-year-old high school student named Anna (a pseudonym) participated in a program called Strong Personalities, which aims to cultivate self-esteem and decision-making skills in a bid to nurture resilience against drug abuse. This initiative was life-altering for Anna, inspiring her to take action in her community as part of her graduation project.

Anna developed brochures and organized hands-on workshops aimed at educating her peers about the dangers of drug misuse. With support from her family and school, she effectively communicated vital messages to 132 final-year students, spurring interest and awareness on the subject. Today, she is considering a future career in drug prevention, demonstrating the profound impact of educational initiatives supported by the Drug Abuse Prevention Center.

To date, the foundation has funded 790 projects across 659 regions in developing countries. The establishment of a dedicated webpage on the UN’s official site for the DAPC grant underscores the growing expectations placed upon this fundraising effort.

For the first time in its over 30-year history, the Drug Abuse Prevention Center is also launching a limited-time crowdfunding campaign on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Economic challenges and human rights issues mean that drug prevention education often goes undistributed in developing nations, which leaves their youth vulnerable to the dangers of drugs entirely unaware.

Investing in the healthy development of young individuals represents a crucial investment in our shared future. The center remains committed to fostering a society that promotes mental well-being, aiming toward a future free from drug abuse. The organization plans to continue its awareness-raising efforts while walking alongside youth in this critical mission.