30/07/2026
DEA and Healthy Families Foundation Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Family-Based Drug Prevention
Gaboroneโ Drug Enforcement Agency and Healthy Families Foundation today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the prevention and treatment of substance use through family-centered interventions.The signing ceremony took place at DEA HQ and was attended by senior officials from both institutions.
In his opening remarks, Director General of DEA, Mr. Phemelo Ramakorwane, reflected on the agencyโs ongoing efforts in both demand and supply reduction strategies. He noted that while significant progress has been made, one critical element has often been overlooked: the role of the family as the foundation of prevention.
โEvery program, every intervention, starts at home. The values, support systems, and resilience built within families are our first line of defense against substance use,โ Mr. Ramakorwane said.
He added that the mandate of the Healthy Families Foundation aligns closely with DEAโs objectives. By focusing on strengthening family structures, communication, and coping mechanisms, Healthy Families Foundation addresses the root causes that often lead individuals to substance use.
Director General stated that this partnership will allow DEA to enrich its programmes, making them more comprehensive and people-centered. Together with the "Healthy Families Foundation and other key institutions, we can better support families, victims, and affected persons, while expanding our reach in public education and outreach." He said.
The Director General further stated that the MoU will serve as a guiding framework and working tool to align joint programs, share resources, and ensure coordinated implementation within existing national policies.
He concluded by expressing DEAโs appreciation to the Healthy Families Foundation for its commitment and for opening the door to this strategic partnership.
Speaking on behalf of Healthy Families Foundation Mrs. Ashley Thaba, highlighted the Foundationโs work and impact. She noted that communities where family support systems are strengthened have seen a significant reduction in substance use.
โWhen we focus on fixing and healing families, we reduce the risks before they start. Many people turn to illicit substances to numb emotional painโ. By addressing these root problems within the home, these two organizations can play a vital role in prevention.
She emphasized that the partnership with DEA will allow Healthy families Foundation to extend its reach and integrate family wellness programs into broader national drug control efforts.
In closing, Deputy Director General, Colonel Montshwari Motlogelwa, described the collaboration as timely and necessary, given that substance use remains one of the countryโs most pressing social challenges. He underscored DEA's commitment to ensuring this MoU work and to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities.
