WHO, Egypt Hold National Dialogue on Substance Use

The World Health Organization (WHO) , in partnership with Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population and the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, launched a high-level national policy dialogue on Tuesday aimed at strengthening the country's public health response to substance use disorders.

The dialogue, organized by WHO's Egypt country office and its Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, brought together government officials, lawmakers, academics, civil society organizations and international partners to enhance coordination on implementing Egypt's National Strategy to Combat Addiction and Reduce the Risks of Substance Use (2024–2028).

The event was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Health's General Secretariat for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, and the Middle East and North Africa regional office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Participants included representatives from the ministries of social solidarity, justice, education, higher education, youth and sports, local development and religious endowments, as well as Al-Azhar, the Egyptian Church, parliament, academia and civil society.

The discussions focused on strengthening cross-sector coordination and building a shared vision for implementing Egypt's national anti-addiction strategy, which was launched in 2024 under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Working groups reached consensus on a national roadmap prioritizing prevention and health education, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration, legislative development, and monitoring, evaluation and scientific research.

WHO described substance use disorders as a major public health challenge linked to increased disease burden, premature mortality and obstacles to social and economic development.

According to the 2025 World Drug Report issued by the United Nations, about 6% of people aged 15 to 64 worldwide used drugs in 2023. In Egypt, a comprehensive national survey conducted in 2021 found that the prevalence of alcohol and other drug use stood at 5.9%.

Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said substance use rates in the region exceed the global average, while only one in 13 people requiring treatment receives it.

"Behind these figures are real people, many of them young, whose lives can be changed through timely prevention, effective treatment and community support," she said, adding that strengthening the public health response to substance use disorders has become one of WHO's regional priorities.

Naeem Abid said Egypt had demonstrated strong leadership in addressing substance use as a national priority but continued to face challenges, including gaps in access to treatment services and the emergence of new patterns of drug use.

He said the dialogue would help ensure that national policies and programs are guided by scientific evidence and international standards while translating strategy into sustainable action.

Ayman Abbas said substance use disorders remain a major public health challenge requiring an evidence-based, multisectoral response.

Meanwhile, Amr Othman outlined the national action plan, which includes expanding primary prevention, strengthening prevention programs in schools and youth institutions, supporting families through early detection initiatives, promoting drug-free educational and sports environments, enhancing the role of religious institutions in correcting misconceptions about substance use, and increasing awareness of free treatment services, particularly in governorates where demand remains low.

Cristina Albertin said no single institution can tackle substance use disorders alone, stressing that cooperation among health, education, social protection, justice, law enforcement and civil society sectors is essential to address evolving drug-related challenges, reduce harm, protect public health and human rights, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.