WHO Hosts Urgent Dialogue on Substance Use

From February 26 to 28, 2025, Abu Dhabi will serve as the backdrop for a pivotal high-level policy dialogue organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). This event aims to enhance public health responses to the escalating substance use crisis in the region. With alarming statistics indicating a significant rise in drug use, the dialogue seeks to unite key stakeholders to develop effective strategies for intervention and treatment.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

The Eastern Mediterranean Region is grappling with a serious substance use issue, particularly concerning opioid addiction. Recent findings from the 2024 World Drug Report reveal that 6.7% of the population in this area engages in drug use, surpassing the global average of 5.6%. The report also highlights a troubling increase in drug use disorders, which have more than doubled since 1990, affecting an estimated 3.4 million individuals as of 2019. This surge in substance use is closely linked to various health complications, including mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, overdoses, and suicides.

Despite the growing need for treatment, the region faces a significant treatment gap. Currently, only 1 in 13 individuals suffering from substance use disorders receives the necessary care. The upcoming policy dialogue aims to confront these challenges head-on, fostering discussions that will lead to actionable solutions and improved health outcomes for affected populations.

Collaborative Strategies for Effective Solutions

Over the course of three days, experts will engage in discussions focused on enhancing health systems and formulating impactful policies. The dialogue will emphasize the importance of integrating substance use treatment into primary health care and other health settings. Participants will explore various topics, including:

• • Strengthening health systems to ensure adequate resources and infrastructure are available.

• • Integrating substance use treatment into broader health care frameworks.

• • Developing evidence-based policies that prioritize prevention, treatment, and recovery while reducing stigma.

• • Expanding access to harm reduction programs to mitigate the negative impacts of substance use.

• • Incorporating core indicators into national health and social care information systems.

These discussions are crucial for establishing a comprehensive approach to substance use that not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term recovery and resilience within communities.

A Unified Vision for Change

“Addressing substance use requires a collaborative approach that connects health systems, policy frameworks, and community-based interventions,” stated Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of the National Rehabilitation Centre. He emphasized the importance of this dialogue as a platform for aligning efforts and generating actionable solutions to enhance the region’s response capabilities.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of addressing critical gaps in policies and service delivery. “Our goal over the next three days is to develop a consensus statement that reflects real-world experiences and the best available evidence,” she noted, underscoring the importance of community engagement and empowerment in tackling substance use issues.

The UAE’s Commitment to Global Health Leadership

The hosting of this dialogue by the NRC underscores the United Arab Emirates’ dedication to global health leadership. By promoting international collaboration and innovative public health solutions, the UAE aims to create a healthier, more resilient community. This initiative aligns with the nation’s vision of integrating prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation into a comprehensive national strategy.

The WHO and NRC’s collaborative efforts are part of a broader regional flagship initiative aimed at accelerating public health action on substance use. This initiative seeks to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with substance use disorders through evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique contexts of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

For further information, interested parties can contact the WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health department.

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