WHO EMRO | International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drugs
On June 26, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by emphasizing the severe impact of drug use on public health and societal well-being. The organization revealed that drug-related issues cost some nations up to 2% of their GDP, primarily due to health expenses and lost productivity. Despite the alarming statistics, WHO noted that treatment for drug use disorders remains inadequate, with only a fraction of those in need receiving help. To address this pressing issue, the WHO has initiated a new program aimed at improving public health responses to substance use.
Global Drug Use Statistics
According to WHO, an estimated 292 million people, or 5.6% of individuals aged 15 to 64, used drugs in 2022. This alarming figure includes 64 million people suffering from drug use disorders. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, approximately 6.7% of the population within the same age group engaged in drug use, with over 3.4 million individuals facing drug use disorders. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective interventions and treatment options to combat the growing drug crisis.
Despite the high prevalence of substance use, treatment access remains shockingly low. In 2022, only 1 in 11 individuals globally and 1 in 13 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region received the necessary treatment for their drug use disorders. This gap in care underscores the need for a shift in how drug-related issues are addressed, moving away from punitive measures and towards comprehensive health strategies.
WHO’s Regional Flagship Initiative
In response to the escalating drug crisis, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean launched the “Regional Flagship Initiative on Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use” in October 2024. This initiative aims to enhance coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders to prevent substance use through evidence-based interventions. The program emphasizes the importance of life skills education in schools and workplaces, promoting policies that prioritize health over punishment.
The initiative also advocates for the integration of evidence-based treatments and harm reduction programs into health and social care systems. To facilitate this, the WHO has established a Regional Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health and Substance Use, as well as a Regional Coalition of Civil Society Organizations. These groups aim to empower communities and individuals with lived experiences of drug use disorders, fostering a collective approach to public health action.
Call to Action for Governments and Communities
On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, WHO urges governments, health organizations, and communities to unite in the fight against drug use disorders. The organization stresses that collaborative efforts are essential to create a healthier future for all. By ensuring access to care and support for everyone, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with drug use.
The flagship initiative serves as a call for decisive action to tackle one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time. With the right investments in sustainable, evidence-based solutions, WHO believes that it is possible to improve public health outcomes and foster social stability for future generations. As resource constraints continue to challenge health systems, effective collaboration among stakeholders is more critical than ever to achieve meaningful progress in addressing drug use disorders.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
