By George K. Momo
MONROVIA, Oct. 24 (LINA) –The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Journey Against Violence (JAV) Rehabilitation Center, Evangelist Joshua Milton Blahyi, Sr., has lauded the Government of Liberia for its efforts in the fight against illicit drugs, but says more can be achieved if privately run rehabilitation centers across the country are adequately supported.
Appearing on a local talk show in Grand Gedeh on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Evangelist Blahyi said the government has demonstrated commitment in combating the drug menace; however, the sustainability of the fight depends on empowering private institutions that are on the frontline of rehabilitation.
“The government is doing extremely well, but they can do more and that more can only be done when privately run rehabilitation centers across the country are supported,” Evangelist Blahyi stated.
According to the JAV boss, if the government can provide subsidies and direct budgetary support to private rehabilitation centers, the fight against drugs in Liberia would soon become a thing of the past.
Evangelist Blahyi said JAV, those enrolled do not only undergo detox but are given the opportunity to learn carpentry, agriculture, plumbing, electricity, tailoring, pastry and computer science among others, which will put them in the position to contribute positively to their community following their reintegration.
He emphasized that there is a critical need for the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health and the national budget process, to allocate specific funding for private rehabilitation facilities.
He noted that private rehabilitation centers are currently the greatest support base for the government’s anti-drug campaign, taking in, counseling, and rehabilitating hundreds of drug-affected youths across the country, often with limited resources.
“They are the greatest buttress to government effort in the fight against this menace. Private rehabilitation centers across the country are heavily involved in the rehabilitation of drug-affected youth, but are struggling due to lack of financial support from the government,” he said.
Evangelist Blahyi explained that many private centers are forced to operate on personal funds, donations from well-wishers, and support from community members, which is not sustainable given the growing number of young people falling victim to narcotics and other harmful substances.
He called on the Government of Liberia, development partners, and other stakeholders to see the fight against drugs as a collective and national responsibility that requires supporting all actors, especially those directly engaged with victims on a daily basis.
“We cannot leave this fight to the government alone, but the government must lead by empowering those who are doing the work on the ground. If we get support, we can take more young people off the streets, rehabilitate them, and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens,” he added.
The former warlord-turned-evangelist, who now runs one of Liberia’s leading private rehabilitation programs, reiterated his institution’s commitment to working with the government and other partners to address the drug crisis, but stressed that without financial support, the impact of private centers will remain limited.
His comments come amid growing national concern over the rising use of illicit drugs, particularly among Liberian youth, and calls for a more comprehensive, well-funded national response.