Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsy met with Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean, to discuss strengthening collaborative efforts in the fight against addiction and substance abuse. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
The discussions aimed at expanding Egypt’s partnership with WHO in addressing the growing global challenge of drug use, with a focus on Egypt’s national expertise, successful treatment models, and regional leadership in developing anti-drug strategies.
Egypt’s Addiction Treatment System Recognized as Regional Model
Minister Morsy emphasized that Egypt’s Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse is a regional center of excellence, offering treatment and recovery services through its extensive “Azima” rehabilitation center network, operating across the country.
“Addiction is not just a personal health issue — it threatens families, communities, and national development,” Morsy stated. “Egypt’s comprehensive response, led by the Fund, is grounded in scientific expertise, human dignity, and social reintegration.”
She pointed out that Azima Center in Imbaba is one of the largest and most advanced facilities in the region, staffed with elite medical and psychological professionals, and achieving high recovery rates.
From National Reform to Regional Leadership
Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the Addiction Fund, highlighted Egypt’s pioneering role in formulating the Arab region’s first strategy to reduce drug demand, and supporting Gulf countries in crafting similar national frameworks. He credited the Egyptian government’s political backing and institutional will for enabling the Fund to implement effective strategies on the ground.
Osman also noted Egypt’s efforts in drug testing campaigns among professional drivers, particularly on highways, in line with the country’s zero-tolerance policy under national traffic laws.
WHO Applauds Egypt’s Multisectoral Approach
Dr. Balkhy praised Egypt’s integrated, multisectoral model in addiction response — encompassing prevention, treatment, psychological rehabilitation, and post-treatment reintegration — as a global example of best practice.
“Egypt’s model addresses substance abuse from a public health and societal lens,” said Dr. Balkhy. “We see great potential in sharing this framework with other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
She expressed WHO’s commitment to further collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to scale up efforts to protect youth, strengthen resilience, and reduce the long-term health and economic impacts of drug abuse.
Strengthening International and Regional Dialogue
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Egyptian government and the WHO, including:
- Eng. Marguerite Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity
- Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the Anti-Addiction Fund
- Dr. Naeema Al-Gasseer, WHO Representative in Egypt
- Dr. Adham Ismail, WHO Program Director for the Eastern Mediterranean
- Dr. Randa Abou El-Naga, WHO Technical Officer for Mental Health and NCDs
- Yasmine Ali, WHO Communications Officer in Egypt
A Shared Mission for a Drug-Free Future
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to expand joint programming, support public awareness campaigns, and mobilize regional platforms to exchange Egypt’s model with neighboring states.
As Egypt solidifies its reputation as a regional leader in social protection and public health innovation, WHO’s support signals a growing global recognition of the country’s role in building resilient, drug-free communities.