Seventh-day Adventists are pushing to combat drugs, alcohol, and risky behavior among young people in Ukraine, reports Dr. Peter Landless, associate health ministries director for the Adventist world church.

Organizers of the initiative are planning a series of projects to raise public awareness of the problem, as well as promote abstinence among young people. These strategies include gathering signatures for petitions against drug use; conducting youth-run education seminars in schools, known as “Youth Alive” programs; and, organizing youth gospel concerts. Leaders of the initiative are also attempting to secure a spot on national television for a youth talk show that will discuss youth lifestyle issues.

Drugs and alcohol are major problems in Ukraine. Forty-eight percent of 17-year-olds smoke regularly and 67 percent of teens have tried alcohol by age 15. In 1993, 27,000 patients were registered in drug rehabilitation clinics; by late 1998 the figure grew to 72,000.

Recent statistics also indicate a rapid spread of HIV/AIDS, especially among young people: 50 percent of the HIV/AIDS population is under 25 years of age.

Landless, who recently visited Ukraine, says three individuals are spearheading the project: Edward Zhalovaga, a third-year dental student; Nadia Ivanova, health ministries director for the Adventist Church in Euro-Asia; and Dr. David Noga, health ministries director for the church in Ukraine.