Policy dialogue to scale up implementation of the Regional Director’s flagship initiative to strengthen the public health response to substance use in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 26–28 February 2025
About the meeting
From 26 to 28 February 2025, representatives from ministries and public sector entities, policy-makers and representatives from UN agencies, civil society organizations and academia will convene in Abu Dhabi for a policy dialogue focused on scaling up implementation of the WHO Regional Director's flagship initiative on strengthening the public health response to substance use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The meeting, facilitated by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi, will orient stakeholders on the flagship initiative, foster agreement on roles and responsibilities and initiate the development of country-level plans to address substance use. The meeting will also serve as a platform to strengthen evidence-based programmes for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and care, and to establish a regional network for ongoing collaboration and support.
Keynote speakers
Dr Hanan Balkhy
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean
Dr Samya Al Mamari
Medical Services Sector Director, National Rehabilitation Centre
6.7%
of the Region’s population aged 15–64 years have used drugs compared to 5.6% globally
Only 1 in 13
people receive treatment for substance use disorders in the Region
US$ 4–12
return on investment for every dollar spent on treating substance use disorders
Journey of recovery from heroin dependence is worthwhile
