La prévention occupe la plus grande place dans la stratégie nationale de lutte contre la drogue 2025-2029
Summary of the National Strategy Against Drug Abuse in Algeria (2025-2029)
On Monday, Tarek Kour, the Director General of the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Substance Abuse, emphasized the importance of prevention in Algeria’s national strategy to combat drug-related issues from 2025 to 2029. Speaking at the Forum of Chaîne I of Algerian Radio, Kour outlined the strategy’s four main components: prevention, treatment and care, deterrence and combat, and international cooperation.
Focus on Prevention
Kour highlighted that prevention is the cornerstone of this strategic framework, which is further bolstered by a series of initiatives and programs. The strategy includes 236 preventive operations dispersed across 33 sectors, illustrating a broad-based commitment to tackling drug issues at multiple levels.
Treatment and Support
In addition to prevention, Kour noted that 30 operations for the treatment and care of drug addicts have been outlined, engaging five national sectors and organizations. He also stated that 25 operations will be executed under the deterrence and combat axis, reflecting a multi-faceted approach essential for addressing drug trafficking and abuse.
Legal Framework and Integrated Approach
Kour discussed recent legislative actions aimed at drug prevention and the penalization of illicit drug usage and trafficking. The government has developed a comprehensive vision that integrates various sectors to combat the drug crisis effectively.
He praised the "integrated approach" of this new legal framework, which seeks a balance between prevention and treatment. Notable provisions include conducting drug screenings in schools and vocational training centers and enhancing penalties for crimes that significantly harm public health, potentially up to capital punishment in severe cases. Kour believes that strict penalties serve as a critical deterrent to drug-related offenses.
Increasing Awareness and Accessibility
He also pointed out a growing public awareness of the dangers posed by drug abuse and the subsequent increase in individuals seeking help through detoxification centers. This indicates a positive shift in societal attitudes toward drug addiction and treatment.
Future Collaborations
Looking ahead, Kour announced the signing of three new agreements on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, celebrated on June 26. These agreements will be made with the National Observatory for Civil Society, the National Body for the Protection and Promotion of Children, and the Ministry of Youth. Their goal is to mobilize collective action against the drug crisis, further reinforcing the comprehensive strategy established to tackle this pressing societal challenge.
In conclusion, the national strategy emphasizes a robust commitment to prevention while simultaneously focusing on treatment and legal action, thus approaching drug abuse from multiple angles. This holistic approach showcases Algeria’s determination to address and mitigate the impact of drug-related issues in society.
