Iraq Launches Drug Situational Analysis Report in Collaboration with UNODC and WHO

During the ceremony, the Drug Situational Analysis Report was launched as a joint effort between the Government of Iraq, UNODC, and WHO, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking. The report consolidates five years of data, highlighting key trends in drug use, the rise of synthetic substances, and the need to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation systems.

H.E. Dr. Hani Musa Al-Ikabi, Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, opened the ceremony with the statement: "Today, we launch three national guidance documents of critical importance in reducing drug addiction and substance abuse: the National Protocol for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction, the Report on the Drug Situation in Iraq, and the Community Guide for Mental Health and the Prevention of Substance Use Disorders. These documents reflect the importance that the Government of Iraq places on mental health within the framework of drug control, as one of the key pillars on which its efforts are based," he stated. "These efforts have borne fruit, contributing to increased community awareness and a decline in the number of people seeking treatment. We extend our gratitude to the World Health Organization for their support with the protocols, to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their continuous assistance, and to the Office of the Regional Coordinator for their valuable support."

In her remarks, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO Regional Director underlined the centrality of health in the national response, stating that “Al-Qanah Center is not merely a treatment facility, but a beacon of hope for people who use drugs and their families.” She added, “these interventions are rebuilding the future of an entire generation through continuous care, referrals to mental health centers, and reintegration into society” She reaffirmed WHO’s support to Iraq in building a people-centered mental health and substance use system that can protect the most vulnerable.

Echoing this commitment, Head of the UNODC Office in Iraq, Mr. Ali Elbereir, noted that the issuance and handover of the report to the Government represents a milestone in Iraq’s efforts to combat drug use, commending the outstanding efforts of the Government of Iraq. He stated: “We take pride in the significant progress achieved in the field of drug control, particularly in addressing both supply and demand. This center stands as a prominent testament to the advances Iraq has made in treatment interventions and in combating addiction and substance abuse.” He emphasized that it confirms Iraq’s ownership of evidence-based strategies and called for translating data into concrete steps through technical assistance, capacity-building, and stronger regional cooperation.

Following the launch, the delegation toured Al-Qanah Social Rehabilitation Center to observe firsthand the range of services provided to patients, from clinical treatment to psychosocial support and reintegration programmes. The visit underscored the government’s determination to align national policies with realities on the ground and to ensure that evidence-based strategies are matched by investments in treatment and sustainable recovery.

The report draws on a wide range of data and information, establishing a foundation for targeted interventions, stronger prevention strategies, and more effective collaboration with international and local partners. It was developed through a rigorous, multi-method approach that combined published research, consultations with key stakeholders, and the analysis of national datasets covering five years, thereby providing a solid basis for strengthening national policies and programmes.

For information:

Nouran AbdelGhaffar  |  nouran.abdelghaffar@un.org