Yes to Abstinence from Sex and No to Drugs and Substance Abuse

Launch of the ‘Yes to Abstinence from Sex and No to Drugs and Substance Abuse’ Nationwide Campaign

On March 11, 2025, we officially launched the ‘Yes to Abstinence from Sex and No to Drugs and Substance Abuse nationwide campaign at Chitanda Secondary School in Matero, Lusaka, Zambia. This campaign is a call to action aimed at empowering young people to make informed choices, practice self-respect, and embrace abstinence as a positive and rewarding lifestyle.

Campaign Objectives
The primary goal of this initiative is to:
✅ Promote self-respect and empowerment among young people by encouraging them to make choices that protect their health and future.
✅ Create a supportive environment that normalizes and celebrates abstinence as a positive and viable option.
✅ Educate young adults about the dangers of substance abuse, its long-term consequences, and the ripple effect it has on their personal lives, families, and society at large.

A Collective Effort for a National Crisis
Zambia continues to face growing challenges such as substance abuse, early pregnancies, peer pressure, and a lack of mentorship opportunities for vulnerable youth. These issues adversely impact educational outcomes, limit career opportunities, and hinder national development.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, the campaign was launched in collaboration with key stakeholders, including:
✅ The Ministry of Education – to integrate awareness into school programs.
✅ The Ministry of Health – to provide health education on the risks associated with substance abuse and early sexual activity.
✅ The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) – to offer guidance on drug prevention and enforcement strategies.

Commitment from Stakeholders
During the launch, all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to:
✔ Support awareness and education efforts in schools, churches, and communities.
✔ Advocate for policy implementation that strengthens drug prevention and youth mentorship programs.
✔ Provide support systems for young people, including counseling, mentorship, and life skills training.
✔ Engage families and communities in discussions that foster open communication and positive reinforcement.
✔ Monitor and evaluate the campaign’s impact, ensuring that real change is achieved.

The Road Ahead
The launch at Chitanda Secondary School marks the beginning of a nationwide movement that will extend into schools, communities, and media platforms across Zambia. Through mentorship, workshops, school outreach, and partnerships with churches and civic organizations, we aim to empower the next generation to say YES to their future and NO to destructive choices.

Together, we can build a **healthier, stronger, and more empowered youth population.

Join us in this mission to protect and guide Zambia’s young people toward a brighter, substance-free future!

YesToAbstinence #NoToDrugs #EmpowerYouth #ProtectTheFuture