19 June 2025, Cairo, Egypt – Substance use across the Eastern Mediterranean Region is growing among vulnerable groups, including migrants and displaced persons. This silent crisis, taking place in the shadow of conflict, displacement, marginalization and economic hardship, is compounded by the loss of social support networks.
In 2022, 6.7% of people aged between 15 and 64 in the Region had used drugs, surpassing the global average. Young men are particularly affected, with nearly 5% reporting cannabis use in the past year. The treatment gap is particularly alarming. Only 1 in 13 people with substance use disorders receive care.
Substance use contributes to the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. It takes a heavy toll on mental health, community safety and national economies. In some countries, the economic impact has reached 2% of gross domestic product.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, on 1 June 2025 the Regional Health Alliance (RHA), which brings together 18 UN agencies, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), to facilitate multilateral engagement and joint efforts to address health priorities, convened a regional technical meeting to strengthen coordination, explore joint interventions and align the response to substance use with the complex realities on the ground.
Under the leadership of WHO’s
