Within the framework of implementing Decision No. 9 of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, issued during its 56th ordinary session on 24 March 2022, at the General Secretariat headquarters, which calls for unifying Arab efforts to combat drugs, the General Secretariat (Social Affairs Sector - Health and Humanitarian Aid Department, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Health Ministers) is collaborating with the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers to enhance regional efforts.
As part of this collaboration, the second joint meeting between drug control agencies and representatives of health ministries in Arab countries will take place on 21-22 November. The meeting, aimed at bolstering cooperation in combating the spread of narcotics and psychotropic substances, follows the 38th Arab Conference of Heads of Drug Control Agencies held on 20 November on Tunisia.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, said that the joint meeting will address several critical topics, including the Arab strategy to combat the illicit use of narcotics and psychotropic substances, a draft plan to address evolving patterns of medical and psychological drug misuse and mitigate their harms, the unified electronic platform for controlled drugs, currently implemented in the United Arab Emirates, and the unified Arab vision for procedures and controls governing travellers carrying narcotic and controlled drugs.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh emphasised that this initiative aligns with the priorities of the Council of Arab Health Ministers to support Arab countries in their prevention programmes and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. It also reflects the broader efforts to achieve the third goal of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal includes enhancing measures to prevent substance abuse, including harmful drug use, and advancing effective treatment strategies.
