World Federation Against Drugs, WFAD

22/05/2026

Following the first insights published on the International Day of Families, WFAD, together with the Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), is pleased to share the full Pan-African Parental Drug Knowledge Index (PADK-Index) 2026 report.

Based on responses from 2,267 parents and guardians across 20 African countries, the report provides important insights into parental knowledge and awareness related to youth drug and substance use in Africa.

The findings show that while many parents have heard about drug and substance abuse among children in their country, far fewer feel they have enough knowledge to protect their child. The report also highlights gaps in awareness of emerging substances, as well as a strong willingness among parents to take part in prevention training.

We encourage members, partners, and stakeholders to read the full report and draw on its findings to strengthen prevention work, family-based responses, and advocacy efforts in their countries and communities.

Read more and access the full report here: https://wfad.se/activity/news/padk-index-2026-new-findings-on-parental-drug-knowledge-across-africa/

20/05/2026

What a valuable Session 4 on emerging trends! Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our speakers for sharing their insights and practical experiences.

We now look ahead to the final session of the World Forum Capacity Strengthening Training on 27 May, dedicated to Strengthening Organisational and Advocacy Capacity!

Strong organisations are essential to advancing effective prevention, treatment, recovery, and policy efforts. In this unique and interactive session, our trainer Maik Dünnbier, will guide participants through practical exercises to deepen their understanding of advocacy methodologies and strengthen their organisations’ ability to advocate for our shared cause locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally.

In this session, participants will receive:

• Practical examples of advocacy initiatives
• Tools to coordinate coherent and timely advocacy campaigns

📅 Tuesday, 27 May
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

Register here: c9a5055f-ca6e-4ea8-9823-8b290ea15baa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c9a5055f-ca6e-4ea8-9823-8b290ea15baa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

We look forward to learning from Maik Dünnbier, Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at Movendi International.

Not yet a member? Join our global network and take part in initiatives like this: https://wfad.se/membership/

19/05/2026

Parents, schools, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders all have an important role to play in responding to adolescent va**ng and synthetic substance use.

WFAD is happy to share a report from Dr Mohd Nazri Bin Mohd Daud on a recent Parental Engagement Initiative on Adolescent Va**ng Prevention held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

The initiative focused on strengthening awareness, supporting early intervention, and building community-based prevention through collaboration between families, schools, healthcare professionals and relevant organisations.

Read more about the initiative on our website: https://wfad.se/activity/member-activity/member-activity-parental-engagement-initiative-on-adolescent-va**ng-prevention/

16/05/2026

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods in shaping lifelong health, resilience, and decision-making.

On the International Day of the Boy Child, WFAD highlights the importance of ensuring that every boy grows up in environments that support his wellbeing, healthy development, and ability to thrive.

Supporting boys early, with the emotional, social, and practical tools they need to navigate challenges, is not only essential for their wellbeing, but also a key part of effective prevention.

Families, schools, sports clubs, youth organisations, and communities all play a role in creating the conditions in which boys can grow with confidence and resilience.

On this International Day of the Boy Child, WFAD calls for continued investment in evidence-based, gender-sensitive prevention and mental health support that helps every boy reach his full potential.

Read our full statement here: https://wfad.se/activity/news/international-day-of-the-boy-child-2026/

15/05/2026

Today, on the International Day of Families, we are proud to share the first findings from the Pan-African Parental Drug Knowledge Index (PADK-Index) 2026, developed in partnership with the Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), with support from WFAD members and partners across 20 African countries who helped make this study possible.

What did we learn?
Many parents recognise that children in their communities are at risk of drug and substance use, but too few feel equipped with the knowledge to respond.

At the same time, nearly 80% of parents said they would be willing to participate in prevention training.

That matters. Because prevention is strongest when families are informed, supported, and included.

Visit our website for the first key findings: https://wfad.se/activity/news/first-insights-from-the-pan-african-parental-drug-knowledge-index-padk-index-2026/

On this International Day of Families, we are pleased to share the first insights from the Pan-African Parental Drug Knowledge Index (PADK-Index) 2026, a collaboration between the Parent-Child Intervention Centre...

15/05/2026

Families are among the most important influences in a child’s life.

On this International Day of Families, WFAD reaffirms that strengthening families is central to effective prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Supportive relationships, stable caregiving, positive communication, and strong community connections can strengthen resilience and provide a foundation for healthy development.

However, families cannot and should not carry this responsibility alone. Families require enabling environments, equitable access to services, and policies that recognise the realities they face, including access to quality healthcare, mental health support, social protection, education, and community-based services.

By investing in evidence-based and family-oriented approaches, and ensuring that families receive the support they need, we can build healthier and more resilient communities and help ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Read our full statement here: https://wfad.se/activity/news/international-day-of-families-2026/

13/05/2026

What an insightful Session 3 on treatment and recovery-oriented care! Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our speakers for sharing their expertise and experiences.

We now move forward with Session 4: Emerging Trends in Addiction on 20 May!

In a rapidly changing world, the landscape of addiction is evolving too. While addiction is often associated with substances, harmful behaviours such as gambling can also become addictive, and digital environments, including social media, can shape attitudes, behaviours, and vulnerabilities, particularly among young people.

This session explores emerging trends in both substance use and behavioural addictions, while equipping participants with practical tools to identify risks early, strengthen community monitoring, and better respond to new challenges as they emerge.

In this session, you will gain insights into:
• How social media and digital environments can influence young people’s attitudes, behaviours, and exposure to substance use and addictive behaviours
• The growing impact of gambling and other behavioural addictions, particularly among young and vulnerable populations
• Practical tools and approaches to identify emerging risks early and strengthen community-level monitoring and response

📅 Wednesday, 20 May
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

Register here: 4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

We look forward to hearing from Rogers Kasirye, Liang Suet Lay, and a representative from Turkish Green Crescent!

We will then conclude the series with Session 5: Strengthening Organisational and Advocacy Capacity on 27 May. Register here: c9a5055f-ca6e-4ea8-9823-8b290ea15baa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c9a5055f-ca6e-4ea8-9823-8b290ea15baa@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

Not yet a member? Join our global network and take part in initiatives like this: https://wfad.se/membership

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12/05/2026

We are pleased to support the upcoming webinar, Youth & Drugs: Recovery and Community Action, organised by the Asia-Pacific Confederation Against Drugs (APCD).

The webinar will take place online on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 3:00 PM Singapore Time and will feature speakers from across Asia sharing perspectives on youth, recovery and community action.

Read more about the webinar and access the registration link on our website: https://wfad.se/activity/member-activity/webinar-announcement-youth-drugs-recovery-and-community-action-28-may-2026-300-pm-sgt/

06/05/2026

What an engaging Session 2 on youth engagement and leadership. Thank you to everyone who contributed such valuable perspectives and experiences!

We now move forward with Session 3: Treatment and Recovery-Oriented Care on 13 May, where we will explore how treatment systems can better support sustainable recovery.

This session brings together four experts and practitioners to explore person-centred, recovery-oriented treatment across the continuum of care. It will highlight the role of families and communities while addressing stigma, mental health, and trauma in supporting recovery.

In this session, you will gain insights into:

• Person-centred and recovery-oriented approaches to treatment
• Opportunities for families and communities to actively support recovery and reintegration
• Tools to address stigma, trauma, and mental health within recovery pathways

📅 Wednesday, 13 May
🕐 13:00–14:30 CEST
💻 Online (Teams)

Register here: 23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/23b9f07b-a732-4730-ba2e-a59d772ef95a@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

We look forward to hearing from Mulka Nisic, Asia Ashraf, Warren Cornelius and Elroy Stuurman!

We will then continue with Session 4: Emerging Trends in Addiction on 20 May. Register here: 4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4fd78d84-4576-47d8-9656-6facf22aadb1@92fcff1e-88e9-4268-8c5f-50edf0edf90f

Not yet a member? Join our global network and take part in initiatives like this: https://wfad.se/membership/

05/05/2026

We would like to highlight a testimonial shared by our member Hero Health Care, reminding us that recovery IS possible. The testimonial shows that recovery is not a linear process, but that with the right environment and evidence-based support, individuals can achieve sustained recovery and often give back to their communities.

Read the full story on our website: https://wfad.se/activity/member-activity/member-testimonial-a-journey-to-recovery-from-hero-health-care-hh/