The Afri-Asia Drug Prevention and Treatment Summit 2025 was held in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Drug Prevention Without Borders – Leave No One Behind”. The Summit 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, uniting diverse partners in a shared commitment to advancing prevention and wellbeing across regions.
Official Opening and Keynote Addresses
Hon. Dr. Isaac Mwaura, Government Spokesman of Kenya, inaugurated The Afri-Asia Drug Summit 2025. In his address, Dr. Mwaura highlighted the importance of international cooperation in protecting public health and reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership in advancing evidence-based prevention.
In the session’s keynote address, Paramtattva Swami spoke on effective addiction prevention, emphasizing the transformative power of moral values, spirituality, and community-based action in nurturing healthy, drug-free lifestyles. He 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.
Other keynote speakers included Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, CEO of NACADA Kenya, who affirmed that “Prevention is not an event, it’s a total commitment,” and Dr. Kevin Sabet, President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), who urged global leaders to prioritize prevention-first approaches over drug legalization to protect communities and future generations.
Launch of the Nairobi Declaration
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.
The Declaration marks a renewed commitment from the Global South to shared responsibility and collective action in addressing drug demand, rooted in compassion, cultural values, and evidence-based strategies.
Volunteer Support and Mandir Visit
BAPS volunteers supported the Summit by contributing to the logistics, protocol, and hospitality.
Delegates also visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi, where they experienced the mandir’s tranquil spirituality, intricate architecture, and welcoming community atmosphere.