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‘Drug abuse global scourge, must curb organized gangs’

‘Systematic approach vital to tackle widespread phenomenon’

publish time

12/06/2025

publish time

12/06/2025

‘Drug abuse global scourge, must curb organized gangs’

KUWAIT CITY, June 12: Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Abeer Al- Bahwa said the drug abuse problem has become a multifaceted global challenge affecting the lives of millions, indicating this challenge requires international cooperation and intensified fight against organized smuggling networks. In a speech during the launching of an awareness campaign on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Jaber Hospital, in cooperation with the Kuwait Center for Addiction Treatment; Al- Bahwa announced that this year’s celebration bears the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention to Break the Cycle .”

Al-Bahwa pointed out this highlights the importance of community support, healthcare provision, and the need for global solidarity in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She affirmed that the impact of drugs is widespread and complex, and that the essence of addressing this challenge lies in the need to adopt an evidence-based scientific approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment. She stated that the campaign this year focuses on effective anti-drug policies, which must be based on Science and research; while taking into consideration the need for full respect of human rights, compassion and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health impacts of drug abuse. She cited the need for global solidarity in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, given the escalating production of synthetic drugs and the psychological crises associated with addiction. “This requires strengthening the integration of mental health services and addiction treatment,” she suggested. She also underscored the need to raise awareness on the dangers of synthetic and digital substances, enhance forensic analysis capabilities, detect new substances, strictly enforce the law, combat organized smuggling networks, and promote regional and international cooperation to exchange information and conduct joint raids.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff