KUWAIT CITY, July 4: Today, Thursday, the Ministry of Health inaugurated a comprehensive media awareness campaign aimed at combating drugs and addiction, operating under the slogan "The evidence is clear... Let's invest in prevention." Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry, disclosed to the Kuwait News Agency that this initiative follows directives from Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi. Its primary objectives include enhancing cooperation and preventing the risks associated with drug abuse, emphasizing community partnership as a pivotal strategy for raising awareness and preventing addiction.

The campaign features the active participation of various concerned entities dedicated to promoting awareness and preventing drug abuse. The Health Promotion Department has taken charge of updating and distributing informational materials highlighting the types of drugs, their harmful effects, and the factors contributing to addiction.

Dr. Al-Bahou outlined the campaign's overarching goals, which focus on spreading health consciousness, fostering societal responsibility in the fight against drugs, and deploying educational resources and films aimed at warning young people and all segments of society about the perils of addiction. Additionally, a questionnaire has been launched to gauge the awareness and knowledge levels of adolescents and young adults regarding drug use and addiction, with efforts aimed at equipping them with skills to resist drug temptation.

The Health Promotion Department's approach extends beyond mere awareness-raising, aiming to catalyze behavioral change towards adopting healthier lifestyles that safeguard the well-being of future generations.

Citing statistics from the World Drug Report 2021, Dr. Al-Bahou underscored a significant rise in global drug use, highlighting opioids as a leading cause of fatalities and the alarming rates of HIV and hepatitis infections associated with drug abuse.

This campaign underscores the Ministry's commitment to tackling the complex challenges posed by drug addiction through proactive education and community engagement.

For more information and participation in the campaign, individuals are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Health's official channels and participate in the awareness activities planned throughout the campaign duration.