Dr. Amr Othman, Director of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse, participated in the tenth annual conference on psychiatry for the Armed Forces.
Dr. Amr Othman reviewed the developments in the drug problem based on the United Nations report and its local repercussions, as well as the interventions undertaken by the Anti-Addiction Fund in cooperation with the concerned authorities to reduce the demand for drugs, pointing out that the United Nations report indicated 316 million people is the number of people who have used drugs. around the world, with an increase of 20% during the last 10 years. There are also many users suffering from abuse or addiction disorders, and about 500,000 deaths in the world are due to drugs.
The global report also indicated that there is a close connection between drugs, organized crime, violence, and illicit money flows, and that drugs represent more than 50% of the economic activity of organized criminal groups. Globally, young people, especially those aged 15 to 19 years, are 45% more likely to die from drugs than adults. The report also pointed out the emergence of new substances within synthetic drugs and their different types that many countries of the world face, and their impact multiplies many times the rates of heroin. There is also a treatment gap for addiction patients in the world, which is that one in every 12 patients has access to treatment services, for males. As for females, it is available to one patient out of every 17 cases, but in Egypt, all treatment services are provided to any addiction patient free of charge, in complete confidentiality, and in accordance with international standards.
Othman also reviewed the experience of the Anti-Addiction Fund in reducing the demand for drugs, as the Fund represents in the Arab Republic of Egypt the national mechanism for reducing the demand for drugs through high-quality preventive and therapeutic services. It is based on scientific evidence through the implementation of the axes of the National Strategy to Combat Drugs and Reduce the Risks of Abuse and Addiction, which was launched under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, and it is being implemented in cooperation with the ministries and concerned authorities, from a global perspective, as it includes primary prevention and a shift from awareness to prevention in educational and youth institutions and the implementation of family-oriented programs “prevention and early detection.” With a focus on the areas most vulnerable to the drug problem and creating an educational and sports environment that enhances the ability of young people to reject the culture of drug abuse.
He pointed out that the Anti-Addiction Fund represents the national mechanism to reduce the demand for drugs through high-quality preventive and therapeutic services based on scientific evidence, where treatment is provided to patients Addiction is free and in complete secrecy in accordance with international standards. The largest media campaign was also implemented under the slogan " “You are stronger than drugs” Explaining that the campaign’s philosophy depends on refuting misconceptions about drug abuse and diversity in the target groups, and it has contributed to increasing the number of calls to the addiction treatment hotline "16023" for 500%, which indicates the campaign’s impact in raising awareness of the seriousness of addiction and also confidence in the services provided by the Fund. The campaign also achieved more than 190 million views on social media cumulatively during its previous stages, in addition to its wide resonance at the international level, as it was presented as one of the success stories in international conferences. The campaigns also obtained third place at the international level in the Dubai Creative Works Competition, and that during the first 9 months of 2025 Therapeutic services were provided to 114,717 “new and follow-up” addiction patients. Free of charge and in accordance with international standards through the Fund’s Determination Centers or its partner with the “16023” hotline, which number 35 specialized centers in 20 governorates so far, after the number of centers did not exceed 12 centers in 7 governorates in 2014.
More than 13717 Various awareness activities at the level of the governorates of the Republic in universities, schools, youth centers and developed areas “alternative to slums” And the villages of the presidential initiative “A Decent Life” And public squares to raise awareness of the seriousness of drug abuse and addiction in cooperation with ministries and concerned authorities. The Fund’s experience also extends beyond treatment to a comprehensive methodology for rehabilitation and reintegration through social and psychological support, vocational training, and economic empowerment for those recovering, and efforts aimed at combating social stigma, as well as continuing to intensify campaigns for early detection of drug abuse for workers. The state administrative apparatus, professional drivers, and school bus drivers, in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
