26–28 February 2025, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi, a WHO collaborating centre for substance use, are convening a high-level policy dialogue to strengthen the public health response to substance use in the Region. The meeting, which is part of WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy’s flagship initiative on accelerating public health action on substance use, will gather key stakeholders from 26 to 28 February 2025 at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi.
Urgent need for action
The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces a growing substance use problem, with opioid use particularly widespread. Substance use is linked to a range of severe health issues, including increased risk of mental health conditions, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, overdoses and suicides. According to the 2024 World Drug Report, 6.7% of the population in the Region report using drugs, exceeding the global average of 5.6%, and the number of people with drug use disorders has increased more than two-fold since 1990, reaching an estimated 3.4 million in 2019.
The treatment gap in the Region is substantial, with only 1 in 13 people with substance use disorders receiving the necessary care. The policy dialogue seeks to tackle this urgent need and chart a course towards more effective interventions.
Collaborative solutions for a healthier Region
Over 3 days, expert-led discussions will focus on strengthening health systems, shaping impactful policies and implementing sustainable early intervention and harm reduction programmes to ensure the integration of substance use treatment into broader health care frameworks.
Topics participants will examine include:
strengthening health systems and enhancing availability and access by ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure are in place;
integrating substance use treatment into primary health care and other health care settings;
developing robust policies, informed by the latest evidence and best practice, that prioritize prevention, treatment and recovery and reduce stigma;
boosting harm reduction by expanding access to harm reduction programmes to minimize the negative impacts of substance use; and
integrating core indicators in national health and social care information systems.
A shared vision for change
“Addressing substance use requires a collaborative approach that connects health systems, policy frameworks and community-based interventions,” says Chief Executive Officer of the National Rehabilitation Centre Yousef Altheeb Alketbi. “This dialogue is a crucial opportunity to align our efforts, share expertise and generate actionable solutions that will strengthen the Region’s ability to respond effectively.”
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy adds: “We must address critical gaps in our policies, legislation and service delivery to prevent substance use, promote mental health, empower persons with lived experience, engage communities, provide treatment and facilitate recovery. Over the next 3 days, we aim to develop a consensus statement on the implementation of the regional flagship initiative – one that is informed by real-world experiences and the best available evidence”.
United Arab Emirates: a leader in global health
NRC’s hosting of the dialogue exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to global health leadership. By fostering international collaboration and advancing progressive public health solutions, the UAE reinforces its vision of a healthier, more resilient community, one in which prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are integral components of a comprehensive national strategy.
About the World Health Organization
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a healthy life.
Founded in 1948, WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for public health within the United Nations, connecting countries, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, based in Cairo, Egypt, is one of 6 WHO regional offices. It serves 21 countries and the occupied Palestinian territory (including East Jerusalem), with a combined population of nearly 745 million people.
About the National Rehabilitation Centre
Managed by PureHealth’s Medical Office, the NRC is the UAE’s leading authority on addiction treatment. In 2017, it was recognized by WHO as a collaborating centre.
Through research, innovation and strategic partnerships, NRC strengthens prevention, treatment and public awareness efforts and advances evidence-based solutions in collaboration with government and semi-government entities.
About the regional flagship initiative
To strengthen support to Member States, WHO’s Regional Director has launched 3 flagship initiatives: i) expanding equitable access to medical products; ii) investing in a resilient and sustainable health workforce, and iii) accelerating public health action on substance use.
The initiatives address key bottlenecks and priorities to accelerate progress towards achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals and serve as accelerators for WHO’s Strategic Operational Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean Region 2025–2028.
WHO’s flagship initiative on accelerating public health action on substance use aims to reduce morbidity, mortality and the social costs associated with substance use disorders through contextualized, evidence-based public health interventions in stable and emergency settings.
For more information, contact:
Dr Asmus Hammerich
Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, WHO EMRO
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Dr Khalid Saeed
Regional Adviser, Mental Health and Substance Use Programme
Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
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Dr Wafaa Elsawy
Technical Officer, Mental Health and Substance Use Programme
Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
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Dr Dalia Elasi
Consultant, Mental Health and Substance Use Programme
Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
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