The Samoan Government has launched a national community engagement program aimed at preventing drug-related harm and violence through earlier intervention and stronger links between government, families and communities.
Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt officially launched Lalaga le Vā at Tooa Salamasina Hall on 8 September, bringing together more than 300 community leaders from urban Upolu.
The program is the first phase of a wider national engagement that will progressively reach districts and communities across Samoa.
The Prime Minister called for early action as Samoa responds to emerging concerns around drugs, violence and community safety.
"These are not problems we can avoid, push aside, ignore or neglect," Prime Minister Schmidt said.
"We are already seeing their seriousness, the risks they present, and the suffering beginning to emerge within our beloved country.
"Yesterday prepared us for today, and today must prepare us for tomorrow."
Lalaga le Vā brings government agencies and community leaders together to identify risks, gaps in services and practical ways to strengthen prevention and support.
It operates alongside PACT Samoa, the National Taskforce on Drugs and Violence, which brings together Police, Justice and Family and Social Affairs, with support from the health and education ministries.
PACT Samoa was established in August to coordinate existing government programs, resources, evidence and referral pathways under a national approach.
Community leaders at the first engagement identified earlier prevention within families, villages, churches and schools as a priority.
They also called for stronger reporting pathways, closer cooperation between police and communities, and improved access to counselling, mental health services, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Children and young people were identified as a particular focus, with leaders supporting mentoring, structured activities and earlier conversations about drugs, violence and their consequences.
Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration chief executive Papāli'i John Taimalelagi called for agencies to work across prevention, policing and rehabilitation.
"Drugs and violence do not sit within one Ministry, and neither can the solution," Mr Taimalelagi said.
"We must work together — from prevention and early intervention to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration."
The priorities raised during the engagement will be documented through a monitoring and evaluation framework coordinated by the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs.
The program will also connect with youth prevention work under Samoa Hope - Say No, while implementation is supported through the Australia-Samoa Partnership and UNICEF/Japan funding.
