Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

The Afri-Asia Drug Prevention and Treatment Summit 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Drug Prevention Without Borders – Leave No One Behind”, brought together over 200 delegates from 24 countries across Africa, Asia, and beyond, fostering collaboration among leaders, policymakers, researchers, and organizations dedicated to addressing drug-related harms through prevention, education, and community engagement.

The Summit was convened by Slumchild Foundation, SCAD Kenya, 4th Wave Foundation, Ministry of Health Kenya, NACADA, Bluecross Kenya, Graceful Youth and Recovery Centre, ISSUP Kenya, Childspace Organization and Apar Foundation.

Dr. Isaac Mwaura, Government Spokesman of Kenya, inaugurated the Summit and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in protecting public health and reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership in advancing evidence-based prevention.

Paramtattva Swami illustrated how faith-based organizations like BAPS play a pivotal role in prevention by cultivating discipline, compassion, and social responsibility, reminding delegates that lasting change begins with character, family, and faith.

Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, CEO of NACADA Kenya, affirmed that “Prevention is not an event, it’s a total commitment.” Dr. Kevin Sabet, President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) urged global leaders to prioritize prevention-first approaches over drug legalization to protect communities and future generations. A defining moment of the Summit was the launch of the Nairobi Declaration on Drug Demand Reduction – a bold, action-oriented framework advocating prevention, education, youth empowerment, gender equality, and inter-continental collaboration.

Delegates also visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi, where they experienced the mandir’s tranquil spirituality, intricate architecture, and welcoming community atmosphere.