Latest news with #WorldDrugDay
Observer
2 days ago
- Health
- Observer
Global problem of drug abuse is a multifaceted challenge
Muscat: As the world marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, the problem continues to harm societies worldwide, impacting even younger people. The UN, supported by individuals, communities and various organisations globally, aims to raise awareness of the significant issue that drugs pose to society. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed on June 26 every year. In Oman, ongoing efforts are being made to combat the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychoactive Substances (NCNPS), organises competitions for community projects aimed at reducing drug and psychoactive substance abuse. The community-based initiative has been successful. Last year, in its third edition, 28 projects participated, with 19 projects qualifying for the competition. According to experts, what makes drugs fatal is addiction. Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Senior Psychiatrist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, stated, "Illicit drug use is an international problem that claims the lives of thousands of people worldwide." He emphasised that this year's campaign aims to raise awareness about treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy. Providing evidence-based, voluntary services, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention and leading with compassion are crucial aspects of the campaign. Dr Hamed pointed out that the negative impact of drug addiction extends beyond the individuals addicted to drugs to the entire community. He stressed that addressing illicit drug use is everybody's business. Dr Rajshree Narayankutty, a surgeon, highlighted the importance of parents having open conversations with their children to prevent drug abuse. The global problem of drug abuse is a multifaceted challenge that impacts millions of people worldwide. The UN emphasises the need for a scientific, evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment. This year's campaign, titled "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," calls for investment in prevention and addressing root causes to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking.
eNCA
2 days ago
- Health
- eNCA
The fight against drug use
JOHANNESBURG - As the world marks World Drug Day, officially known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the spotlight is glaring on a global crisis. It's looking at the devastating impact of substance abuse, particularly across African communities. The drug crisis continues to tear apart families, schools, and communities with terrifying consequences. But there's hope: the World Changers Candidate, a South African non-profit organisation, is confronting this head-on, working at grassroots level to tackle addiction and its cruel ripple effects.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
UN flags cannabis explosion in Africa on World Drug Day
The UN's 2025 World Drug Report, released on Thursday, reveals that 244-million people used cannabis in 2023, making it by far the most widely used drug globally. That figure represents 4.6% of the world's population aged between 15 and 64. According to the report, cannabis use has increased by 34% over the past decade, with the highest rates seen in North America, where 20.2% of people used cannabis last year. This information comes as the world marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commonly known as World Drug Day. The day, which is observed annually on June 26, raises awareness of the global drug crisis and calls for multilateral co-operation in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The theme for 2025, 'Break the Cycle. #StopOrganisedCrime,' urges long-term, focused action to disrupt the deadly link between drug trafficking and organised crime, both of which fuel violence, corruption and regional instability. The report revealed that about one woman for every nine men uses cannabis, highlighting a significant gender disparity in consumption patterns. It also showed that Southern, West and Central Africa recorded especially high use of cannabis, with about 10% of the population aged 15—64 reporting cannabis use in the past year. The report revealed that Africa also accounts for a large share of global drug enforcement activity. 'Africa accounted for 44% of the total cannabis herb and resin seized worldwide in 2023, ahead of the Americas, Asia and Europe,' the report stated. It said that cannabis remains the most common drug behind treatment admissions across the continent. 'Cannabis remains the main drug of concern for 32% of people in treatment in Africa. The majority of those seeking treatment for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35, with cannabis and opioids being the substances most often involved,' the UN said. Africa is also a significant trafficking corridor with West Africa for cocaine, East Africa for heroin, and much of the continent for cannabis, which is largely produced in the region. The UN report estimated that 316-million people worldwide used a drug (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023, which is 6% of the global population and up from 5.2% in 2013. The report broke down other uses of substance abuse in the world showing that 61-million used opioids, 31-million used amphetamines, 25-million used cocaine and 21-million used ecstasy-type substances. Among women globally, drug use rates show that 24% used cannabis, 14% used opioids, 25% used cocaine, 29% used amphetamines and 32% used ecstasy. 'Cannabis accounts for a substantial share of drug-related harm globally. An estimated 42% of drug use disorder cases worldwide are cannabis use disorders. In 2023, 41% of countries reported cannabis as the main drug of concern for people in drug treatment,' the report said. South Africa has seen its own dramatic changes, as in 2023 authorities destroyed large quantities of seized drugs, including 700kg of cannabis with a street value of R21m, intercepted in Durban Harbour. These enforcement actions are occurring alongside major legal shifts as in 2018 a Constitutional Court ruling decriminalising private use, possession and cultivation of cannabis in South Africa. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024 formalised the legal framework around personal use. And recently as a response to public pressure, the government also lifted its ban on cannabis and hemp foodstuffs, a move welcomed by civil society groups and the local cannabis industry after the health minister Aaron Motsoaledi had temporarily banned it.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: History, significance, and what this year's theme means
Drug abuse isn't just a health issue—it's a social, economic, and humanitarian crisis that impacts millions of lives every year. Rising overdose deaths, and growing criminal networks, hints that the problem is far-reaching and evolving. Observed every year on June 26, the world drug day, offers the world a chance to reflect, speak up, and act against this complex issue. It's a moment for governments, communities, and individuals to raise awareness about the risks of drug abuse and rally for stronger, more compassionate responses—starting with prevention, and ending with long-term, sustainable recovery solutions. How it all began The origin of World Drug Day dates back to December 7, 1987, when the United Nations General Assembly formally established the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The intent was to build a coordinated, international response to rising concerns about drug use and trafficking across borders. Ever since, June 26 has become a globally recognized day for action, dialogue, and commitment to a world free from the dangers of illicit drugs. From city-wide campaigns to international conferences, the day serves as a reminder that drug-related harm touches every corner of the globe—and that reversing it requires global cooperation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDsกับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้| เปิดบัญชีวันนี้ IC Markets สมัคร Undo This year's theme: 'Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime' The theme for World Drug Day 2025 is both urgent and bold: 'Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.' It zeroes in on one of the most entrenched elements fueling drug problems worldwide—organized crime. Trafficking networks thrive in environments of instability and inequality, exploiting vulnerable communities and making it harder for individuals to escape addiction or poverty. This year's campaign highlights how breaking the cycle of drug abuse means more than cutting off supply chains. It means tackling root causes: lack of access to education, poor mental health support, failing justice systems, and the absence of alternative livelihoods. The goal is to shift from short-term crackdowns to long-term investment in resilience, prevention, and community-based support. When people are given the tools to thrive through healthcare, education, and opportunity—organised crime loses its grip. What the numbers tell us The scale of drug use globally is staggering—and growing. As of 2023, around 316 million people had used drugs in the past year. That's not just a reflection of population growth; it's a sign that drug use is becoming more widespread, with the prevalence increasing steadily over the past decade. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 292 million people—or 5.6% of the global population aged 15–64—used illicit substances in 2022 alone. But beyond usage lies something even more serious: addiction. About 64 million people live with drug use disorders, often silently, without treatment, and with limited support. The costs aren't just personal—they ripple out into families, communities, and entire economies. Illicit drug use is estimated to drain up to 2% of a country's GDP, straining healthcare systems, overburdening courts, and fueling a cycle of social exclusion. The death toll is heartbreaking. Around 600,000 lives are lost every year, largely due to opioid overdoses. And among the 14.8 million people who inject drugs, many face increased risks of HIV and hepatitis C, with infection rates as high as 15.2% and 38.8%, respectively. These aren't just numbers. They represent real people—mothers, fathers, students, workers—whose lives are upended by an issue that often begins in silence and stigma. Why it's getting worse—and what's feeding it One reason the drug crisis keeps escalating is because the systems meant to stop it are often reactive instead of preventive. Drug trafficking networks have become incredibly agile, always evolving their methods, and thriving in places where law enforcement is weak or communities are underserved. And demand is fed by personal struggles—mental health issues, trauma, poverty, and a lack of purpose or support. What's worse, organized crime doesn't just supply drugs—it profits from instability. The more divided, unequal, or desperate a society becomes, the easier it is for traffickers to gain power. And once addiction sets in, it doesn't just damage one life—it affects families, pushes people into crime or homelessness, and reinforces cycles that are hard to escape. How can we help The good news? This crisis is not beyond our control. But solving it requires a shift in mindset—from punishment to prevention, from stigma to support. One of the most powerful tools is education—giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices. Mental health care also plays a huge role, offering people a path toward healing before addiction takes root. Governments across the world need to invest in accessible treatment, rehabilitation programs, and community-based alternatives to incarceration. They need to promote conversation around drugs and its abuse. Organisations like WHO are already leading the way through initiatives like SAFER, which guides countries in reducing substance-related harm. Even at an individual level we can make a difference. Small action matters even if it is as small as just standing along with a friend trying to come out of that cycle.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
ISAM commemorates World Drug Day with call for science-based, compassionate global addiction care
26 June 2025 16:47 ABU DHABI (WAM)The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM), a globally recognised body of over 15,000 professional members and 55 national and regional societies, marked World Drug Day 2025 with a renewed commitment to advancing evidence-based, humane, and collaborative approaches to substance use and behavioral addiction reinforces that addiction is a complex health condition with profound implications for individuals, families and it effectively requires a multidisciplinary response, one that integrates medical, psychological, social, and public health perspectives.'Addiction is not a moral failing; it is a treatable condition influenced by a host of social, economic, and psychological determinants,' noted Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri, ISAM President.'On this World Drug Day, we call upon the international community to support treatment grounded in science and human rights.'ISAM's global engagement includes partnerships with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), and the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).Through these collaborations, ISAM contributes expert guidance to global panels and commissions; builds healthcare capacity in low- and middle-income countries; supports the development and evaluation of national addiction-related policies, and promotes culturally responsive and evidence-informed public health Society continues to prioritise education, training, research and innovation, upholding its core values of equity, dignity, diversity, and scientific also pays tribute to the researchers, clinicians, peer advocates, and individuals with lived experience whose contributions are essential to reducing harm and fostering recovery. 'Addiction medicine is not solely the practice of treating individuals — it is the collective endeavour to reform health systems and social attitudes through knowledge, humility, and purpose,' ISAM said in a statement. Related News Arab Parliament condemns Israeli attack on Iran
