A contribution by our Individual Member Mohd Nazri Mohd Daud from Malaysia

Strengthening Community-Based Drug Prevention in North Borneo: UMS and Multi-Sector Partners Mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026

KUDAT, Sabah, Malaysia – 25 June 2026– Approximately 150 participants from diverse sectors of the community joined the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026 programme held at the Rural Medical Education Centre (RMEC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kudat.

The programme was jointly organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) Sabah and Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah (HUMS), with the collaboration and support of government agencies, healthcare institutions, educational organisations, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international professional networks, volunteers and local community partners. The initiative aimed to increase public awareness of the harms associated with drug abuse, smoking, vaping and harmful alcohol use while promoting healthier, drug-free lifestyles through community engagement and prevention education.

Participants took part in five interactive educational stations, awareness quizzes, the Wall of Hope, educational exhibitions and a themed photo booth. These engaging activities encouraged active participation, meaningful discussion and greater understanding of substance use prevention among students, teachers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, government representatives and members of the public.

Programme Director and consultant Family Medicine Specialist, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Nazri Mohd Daud, said the programme demonstrated how effective partnerships between universities, government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs and local communities can strengthen evidence-informed drug prevention, particularly in underserved rural communities.

“Although modest in scale, this programme represents an important step towards building sustainable, evidence-informed substance use prevention. Effective prevention depends on active community participation, strong multi-sector collaboration and continuous public education,” he said.

He added that the programme reflects the mission of HARMONI (Holistic Addiction Care & Outpatient Mental Health Services) at RMEC UMS Kudat, which serves as a Treatment–Prevention Hub for addiction services in rural Sabah. HARMONI integrates prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, education and research to strengthen healthier, safer and more resilient communities.

A post-programme evaluation recorded an overall participant satisfaction rate of 97.4%, demonstrating strong community engagement and broad support for the initiative. The organisers hope this programme will serve as a practical model for strengthening sustainable, community-based and evidence-informed drug prevention initiatives in rural settings.

The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to all collaborating organisations, community partners, volunteers and supporters whose collective commitment contributed to the success of this initiative. Through shared responsibility and collaboration, this programme demonstrated that even a modest rural initiative can become a meaningful step towards building healthier, drug-free communities.