How UAE tackles challenges of substance use, safeguards public health
UAE adopts multi-sectoral approach to tackle substance use disorders
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has made significant strides in addressing the growing challenges of substance use by focusing on early intervention, robust treatment and rehabilitation efforts, according to top officials.
Dr Samya Mohammed Al Mamari, Medical Services Sector Director at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), Abu Dhabi, highlighted that substance use is a global challenge, and the UAE remains committed to safeguarding public health through proactive and evidence-based measures.
“The UAE has continuously enhanced policies, raised public awareness, and expanded rehabilitation services,” Dr Samya told Gulf News.
She underlined that the UAE has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to tackle substance use disorders.
“Key strategies include integrating substance use treatment into national healthcare policies, expanding community-based rehabilitation programmes, and enhancing early intervention efforts.”
The UAE’s efforts are centreed around the NRC, which offers a holistic approach to rehabilitation, focusing on early detection and prevention, multidisciplinary care tailored to each individual’s needs, long-term recovery and reintegration and collaborative partnerships.
Emerging trends
Dr Samya noted that substance use trends in the country are constantly evolving, influenced by global patterns and societal changes.
“We are observing an increased need for integrated mental health support within substance use treatment, as well as a shift towards early intervention and holistic rehabilitation approaches.”
She underlined that the NRC has been monitoring these trends, utilising research-driven strategies, and working closely with stakeholders to implement best practices that ensure individuals receive comprehensive, patient-centred care.
Dr Samya pointed out the NRC’s collaboration with entities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen public health responses and promote long-term recovery solutions.
Recently, the NRC, in collaboration with the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region held a high-level policy dialogue in Abu Dhabi to accelerate public health action on substance use.
According to the 2024 World Drug Report, 6.7 per cent of the population in the Eastern Mediterranean Region report using drugs, exceeding the global average of 5.6 per cent, and the number of people with drug use disorders has increased more than two-fold since 1990, reaching an estimated 3.4 million in 2019.
WHO’s priorities
Dr Hanan Balkhy, the WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, noted that the WHO remains committed to supporting countries in strengthening their public health responses to substance use.
“Innovative approaches include integrating substance use treatment into primary healthcare settings to ensure accessibility, expanding digital health solutions to improve outreach, and promoting harm reduction strategies where applicable.”
Looking toward the future, Dr Balkhy highlighted the WHO’s priorities in the region.
“Our focus is on strengthening healthcare systems to provide sustainable and evidence-based treatment, scaling up early intervention and prevention programmes, and fostering regional cooperation to develop comprehensive policies,” Dr Balkhy said and stressed on enhancing training for healthcare professionals and improving public awareness to reduce stigma around substance use disorders.
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