Freedom Foundation Nigeria has launched the Early Detection & Intervention Fund (EDIF) and unveiled a free Early Detection & Intervention Resource Guide as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against substance abuse through prevention and early intervention.

The announcement was made during the Foundation’s 2026 virtual conference, themed “Unmasking Addiction: Strengthening Families and Communities to End Substance Abuse,” held to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The initiative is designed to shift the focus of Nigeria’s response to substance abuse from crisis management to identifying and addressing risks before they develop into addiction.

Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of Freedom Foundation, Chidi Koldsweat, said the organisation’s more than two decades of experience supporting people battling substance use disorders revealed that many affected individuals exhibited warning signs long before seeking treatment.

According to him, the Foundation’s rehabilitation programme, House of Refuge, exposed a recurring pattern in which families and communities failed to recognise early indicators of substance abuse or intervene promptly.

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive, not struggle in silence. Through the Early Detection & Intervention Fund, we’re creating a pathway from early warning signs to timely care, helping prevent crises before they happen,” Koldsweat said.

As part of the initiative, the Foundation introduced the Early Detection & Intervention Resource Guide, a free handbook designed for parents, teachers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders and community members.

The guide provides practical information on recognising early warning signs of substance abuse, engaging in supportive conversations, responding appropriately and connecting individuals with trusted sources of help before addiction escalates. It is available for free download on the DocSend platform.

Freedom Foundation said the launch comes at a time of growing concern over substance abuse in Nigeria, highlighting the need for coordinated, community-based responses that prioritise prevention alongside treatment and recovery.

Through EDIF, the organisation plans to expand school-based interventions, community awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes and referral networks to improve access to early support across the country.

Founded in 2001 by Pastor/Dr. Tony Rapu, Freedom Foundation has impacted more than 20,000 beneficiaries nationwide through programmes focused on recovery, rehabilitation and social reintegration.