Combating drug abuse: Egypt’s strategy to protect youth and foster recovery

CAIRO - 20 November 2024: The issue of drug abuse prevention has gained significant attention from Egypt's political leadership. The Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse, chaired by Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, has implemented scientifically driven awareness programs targeting various demographics. These efforts aim to protect youth from falling into addiction through collaboration with relevant institutions under the directives of the political leadership.

Key initiatives include awareness programs in newly developed residential areas such as Al-Asmarat, Al-Mahrousa, October Gardens, Rawdat Al-Sayyida, and Bashayer Al-Khair in Alexandria, along with Al-Dawahi in Port Said. These programs focus on raising awareness among residents, particularly youth and adolescents, to prevent drug abuse. The initiatives also offer life-skills training and family education, empowering communities to address addiction.

Efforts involve direct outreach through home visits and communication with families, alongside training young community leaders to participate in awareness campaigns. Programs also educate families on early detection and intervention, promote the use of the addiction hotline "16023," and encourage individuals to seek free and confidential treatment. Activities for children, including storytelling workshops and interactive games, aim to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and drug use, while sessions for women focus on early detection strategies.

A Regional Model for Addiction Prevention

Egypt’s efforts in drug abuse prevention have positioned the country as a regional leader. Numerous countries, including the UAE, Iraq, and Sudan, have sought the expertise of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse in developing their strategies to reduce drug demand. Delegations have visited Egypt to learn about the hotline services and how treatment is provided free of charge and in confidentiality, following international standards.

The political leadership’s commitment extends to expanding treatment services. Since 2014, the number of addiction treatment centers has grown from 12 in seven governorates to 33 centers in 19 governorates, serving approximately 170,000 patients annually. These services are provided free of charge, confidentially, and in accordance with international standards.

Additionally, the government launched an economic empowerment initiative for individuals recovering from addiction, offering project funding through Nasser Social Bank and skills training programs for reintegration into the workforce. Around 15,000 individuals recover each year, benefiting from vocational training that meets market demands.

Launch of the 2024–2028 National Strategy

Under the guidance of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the 2024–2028 National Strategy for Combating Drugs and Reducing Addiction Risks was unveiled. The strategy was developed in partnership with various ministries, including Interior, Health, Youth and Sports, and Education, alongside coordination with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other entities.

The strategy focuses on primary prevention through educational and youth institutions, family-oriented programs for early detection, and initiatives targeting high-risk areas. It emphasizes creating environments that discourage drug use among youth, leveraging religious institutions to challenge misconceptions about drug abuse, and promoting free treatment services in underutilized regions.

Expanding Awareness and Treatment Programs

Key components of the strategy include early detection, secondary prevention campaigns, and collaboration with private sector organizations to highlight the connection between drug abuse and reduced productivity. Measures also aim to reduce stigma against recovering individuals by integrating addiction issues into media content and expanding access to rehabilitation and economic empowerment programs.

Awareness programs extend to schools and universities through initiatives such as the "Stronger Than Drugs" sports leagues and theatrical productions highlighting the harms of drug abuse. Creative brainstorming workshops encourage students to develop innovative solutions to addiction-related challenges.

Furthermore, the Fund has implemented programs in over 1,000 youth centers and sports clubs nationwide, leveraging influential figures like Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah in its campaigns. The "You Are Stronger Than Drugs" campaign, created in partnership with the United Media Services Company, has significantly increased calls to the hotline and received international acclaim as a model for drug prevention campaigns.

Addressing Synthetic Drugs

Special attention has been given to combating synthetic drugs such as "shabu," "crystal meth," and "ice," which have severe psychological and physical effects. Campaigns warn about their dangers, including hallucinations, organ damage, and increased aggression. The Fund also provides targeted programs to educate communities about synthetic drug risks and offers resources for treatment and prevention.

Strengthening International Cooperation

Egypt, through the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse, has spearheaded the first Arab strategy for drug prevention. Developed in collaboration with the League of Arab States and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the strategy serves as a framework for regional efforts to address rising addiction rates among Arab youth.

Results and Achievements

Efforts to create drug-free environments have shown measurable results, including a reduction in drug use among school bus drivers from 12% in 2017 to 0.5% today, and a decrease in substance abuse among government employees from 8% in 2017 to 1%. These successes are attributed to ongoing awareness campaigns, early detection programs, and the expansion of voluntary treatment services.

The government continues to prioritize comprehensive interventions in high-risk areas, training over 34,000 youth volunteers, and leveraging media to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. The incorporation of addiction storylines in dramas has also played a significant role in changing perceptions and reducing glamorization of drug use.

Treatment Services

The hotline "16023" offers confidential and free services, including medical treatment, psychological support, and economic reintegration programs. With 33 centers across 19 governorates, services include early detection, counseling, rehabilitation, and relapse prevention.

Egypt’s sustained focus on combating drug abuse has not only transformed its domestic landscape but also set a benchmark for regional and global efforts to protect youth and foster healthier communities.