2023-11-04 20:37:36
The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Firas Al-Abyad, sponsored the medical day for promoting mental health and preventing addiction, at Al-Rahma Medical Complex in Tripoli, in cooperation with the National Mental Health Programme, in the presence of the Regional Director for the Middle East at the French Development Agency (AFD), Ms. Catherine Bono. Director of the National Mental Health Program, Dr. Rabie Chammai, Director General of Al-Rahma Medical Complex, Izzat Hussein Agha, General Coordinator of Doctors of the World, Sophie Olivier Morell, and Executive Director of the Lebanese Center for Addiction Treatment and Prevention – Sokoon, Ms. Tatiana Suleiman.
Al-Abyad first focused on the importance of this moment, as attendees gather to discuss a very important topic, which is mental health care and addiction prevention, and he considered it “a matter of exceptional dimension in light of the severe crises that Lebanon is going through.”
He continued: “The successive crises, from the Covid pandemic to the port explosion, through the social and economic collapses, have placed a heavy weight on mental health in Lebanon. The most recent adversity was the aggression once morest Gaza. A person’s humanity cannot help but stand in the face of the horror and horror of the events.”
He pointed out that “the current economic and social crises have placed heavy burdens on the shoulders of citizens,” saying: “We are aware of the enormous psychological pressures that the Lebanese face every day.” He stressed that “mental health is not a luxury, but rather a basic right, and taking care of it is an investment in the future of society and a safety valve for the nation.”
The Minister of Health believed that “the crises test the resilience of the Lebanese people and reveal the urgent need to provide sustainable psychological support,” noting that “negligence in this aspect might lead to an exacerbation of the problem of addiction, which is a silent epidemic that threatens the social and economic fabric of the country, especially the youth component.” After some studies showed disturbing statistics regarding the use of narcotic substances among teenagers.”
In this regard, Al-Abyad said: “Addiction is not just a health problem, but rather a challenge that requires a comprehensive response that includes prevention, treatment, and community support.” He continued, “It requires the concerted efforts of various causes and activities, in line with the ‘inter-ministerial response strategy to the use of narcotic substances.’
He pointed out that “tackling addiction requires updating legal frameworks, as called for by the National Mental Health Strategy.” He stressed that at the legislative level, “the Ministry of Health and the National Mental Health Program renew the call for the adoption of the amended drug law, which stipulates not to criminalize the possession of narcotic substances for personal use, but rather to focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery through the provision of health services in incubator and specialized centers.” Such as Al Raja Medical Center, in line with international treaties and the principles of public health and human rights.”
Al-Abyad declared his commitment to developing and implementing effective strategies to reduce the risks of addiction, and to strengthen awareness and early intervention programs, stressing that “the Ministry of Public Health will work to build strategic partnerships with national and international institutions to ensure the achievement of these goals.”
Al-Abyad thanked all partners and supporters of mental health in Lebanon, led by AFD, which through its support over the years has contributed to developing mental health services and rising to the level of aspirations of individuals and peoples.
He stressed that “mental health and addiction prevention are an integral part of the sustainable development and prosperity of our society. Therefore, it requires the combined efforts of everyone, from the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and every individual in the nation.”
In conclusion, Al-Abyad renewed his commitment to protecting and supporting every citizen, and building a future dominated by mental and physical health, free from the scourges of addiction. He called for “working together to overcome crises and build the Lebanon of the tomorrow that everyone aspires to.”
For her part, the Regional Director for the Middle East at the French Development Agency (AFD), Ms. Catherine Bonneau, stressed the importance of this occasion in order to promote mental health, spread awareness regarding addiction prevention and fight this social scourge. She thanked health workers for their steadfastness and sacrifices, especially in light of the successive crises the country is going through. She praised the work of the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, and his diligent follow-up on all health issues, stressing the continued support of the French Development Agency for the Ministry of Health and its programs, and its permanent support for Lebanon.
In turn, the Director of the National Mental Health Program, Dr. Rabie Shammai, explained that this occasion carries great importance, as preventing addiction and providing psychological support are among the priorities of the program and the Ministry of Public Health.
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