Youth in Europe

Actavis Group sponsors a European project to combat drug abuse among young people.

The programme has a threefold objective:

To monitor drug abuse among youth in the cities involved
To compare the various preventative methods available
To involve institutions, governments, schools and the public in measures against drug abuse in the participating cities

“Youth in Europe – A Drug Prevention Programme” is a five year programme which was launched in 2005.
It’s an international comparative research study about drug prevention methods, risk and protection factors in ECAD member-cities across several European countries.

The programme compares prevention strategies and seeks best practices across Europe in order to provide valuable information for all those who are involved in the ongoing task of protecting young people from the injurious effects of drugs. The participating cities will also work towards mobilizing society against drugs according to a programme outline.

The programme is based on Icelandic research oriented preventions, spanning the last two decades, documenting risk and preventive factors. All ECAD member cities can be partners and benefit from this joint effort. The research involves:

Three surveys of 15- and16-year-old students.
One survey was carried out 2006. Two more will be conducted in 2008 and 2010.
At least 2800 students in each participating city are included in each study.
Research is used to evaluate the most effective prevention measures.
Young people and their families, schools, youth clubs and authorities mobilised in co-operation against drugs.
All ECAD member cities can be partners and benefit from this joint effort.

The City of Reykjavik serves as the chair of this programme.
The President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson is its patron.

Actavis Group is the main sponsor of this ambitious drug prevention program in five European cities:

Vilnius
Sofia
St. Petersburg
Bucharest
Istanbul

Róbert Wessman, CEO of Actavis Group
“The project is in line with our strategy to contribute to the wellbeing of young people. It is important that pharmaceutical companies take part in social programmes in health-related areas, such as prevention of drug abuse programmes among young people. It is also a particular pleasure for us to support this programme in regions where many of our operations are based and where we are keen to make a positive contribution. Being involved in commercial expansion abroad we are also delighted to see that there are also possibilities for us to contribute to the communities in which we work.“

Programme website: