More than $2.5 million (US$900,000) has been given by Japan to strengthen prevention and response to drug abuse among children and adolescents in Samoa.

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.

Samoa and Japan, together with UNICEF, announced a new partnership amid growing concern about the harmful impact of illicit drugs on young people’s health, safety, and overall well-being.

“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, 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.”

The four‑year project will focus on strengthening awareness amongst children and families on the 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-Centred Development approach reaffirmed at PALM10,” said the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Ryotaro Suzuki.

“This initiative also reflects Japan’s commitment to cooperate toward the Healthy Islands Vision by supporting the well-being 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.”

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, and 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 recognising 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.