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.