Ministry of Health Discusses Cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

The Acting Minister of Health Maher Al-Sharaa discussed with the Senior Program Coordinator and Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iraq, Ali Al-Barir, the possibilities and means of cooperation in the field of combating drugs and addiction.

During the meeting held yesterday at the Ministry, Al-Sharaa highlighted the Ministry’s plan to improve the deteriorating health sector, noting the importance of partnerships with relevant authorities to meet citizens’ health needs and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Al-Sharaa noted that the Ministry’s Primary Health Care Directorate includes a department whose function is to manage and combat addiction, highlight its risks, and promote prevention and awareness.

He pointed out that drug control is based on a strategy of combating supply and reducing demand through awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Al-Barir, for his part, emphasized the UNODC’s keenness to communicate with the Syrian authorities to establish a joint working relationship, understand their interests, and identify their priorities to contribute to their support by leveraging the Office’s programs in the health sector.

Al-Bureir pointed to the possibility of cooperation with Syria to develop national strategies to protect against and combat drug abuse, treat and prevent addiction, and address drug-borne diseases.

He emphasized the need to develop the country’s capabilities in this area and assist it in addressing health issues related to drug abuse.

Raghda Sawas