The World Health Organisation Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean has decried the devastating effects of the drug trade and use on the health and well-being of people globally, costing some countries about two per cent of their gross domestic product.

Disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, billed for Thursday, the international health agency said drug abuse deteriorated public health, caused an increase in crime and reduced productivity.

WHO said, “Drug use impacts security, safety, and development, costing some countries up to 2% of their GDP due to health-related expenses, crime, and lost productivity. Beyond its economic burden, drug use constitutes a significant public health issue, linked to a range of health issues, including mental health conditions, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular diseases.”

WHO however stated that countries had taken steps to address drug abuse through a law enforcement and supply restriction lens by adopting strategies that reinforce stigma and overlook the health dimensions of the issue.

It also stated that “Globally, an estimated 292 million people (5.6% of those between 15 and 64) used drugs in 2022. There are 64 million individuals suffering from drug use disorders. In 2022, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, an estimated 6.7% of the population aged between 15 and 64 years used drugs, and more than 3.4 million people suffered from drug use disorders.”

“Despite the alarming levels of substance use and the fact that investing in substance use treatment offers returns of between US$ 4–12 for every dollar spent, in 2022, only 1 in 11 individuals with drug use disorders globally, and 1 in 13 in the Region, received treatment.”

In a bid to reduce morbidity, mortality, and the social costs associated with substance use disorders, the WHO, in October 2024, launched the ‘Regional Flagship Initiative on Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use’.

It stated that the initiative aims to strengthen coordination and collaboration while also preventing the initiation of substance use through evidence-based interventions, such as promoting life skills education in both schools and workplaces. 

To expedite the implementation of the substance use flagship initiative, WHO stated that its regional office has also established a Regional Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health and Substance Use and a Regional Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, to engage and empower civil society organisations, and people with lived experience of drug use disorders, to advance public health actions across the region.

“With the right investments in sustainable, evidence-based solutions, we can significantly reduce morbidity, mortality, and the social costs associated with drug use disorders and build a more stable society,” it added.