Moldova’s National Agency for Public Health has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging children and adolescents to make their own decisions about alcohol, recognise peer pressure and develop the confidence to say no. Running from October 15 to 30, 2026, the campaign is titled Tu decizi cine devii!, meaning You decide who you become. Its central message is that young people do not need alcohol to be accepted, interesting or strong.

The campaign takes an approach that goes beyond warning young people about alcohol’s health risks. It focuses on self-confidence, critical thinking, healthy alternatives and the ability to make decisions without giving in to pressure from friends or social expectations. The organisers emphasise positive examples, participation and open dialogue, deliberately avoiding messages based on fear, stigma or blame.

Schools, youth centres, healthcare providers, local authorities, parents and civil society organisations are invited to participate. Suggested activities include interactive discussions, myth-versus-reality exercises, role-playing situations involving peer pressure, creative competitions and conversations between parents and children. The National Agency for Public Health has also prepared a downloadable collection of materials, including a guide for parents and educators, a brochure for adolescents, posters and digital graphics for social media.

An important feature of the initiative is its recognition that prevention is a shared responsibility. Young people need reliable information, but they also need supportive environments, meaningful activities and adults who listen to them. By involving adolescents not only as recipients of information but also as active participants in prevention, the campaign seeks to strengthen the skills and confidence that can help them make healthier choices.

Find more from National Agency for Public Health (Republic of Moldova, October 2026)