MoSD Conducts Awareness Workshops and Activities Across Six Governorates to Combat Drug Abuse
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development organized a series of awareness workshops and community activities in the governorates of Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Yatta, and Tubas to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. These activities form part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, promote a culture of prevention, and protect the Palestinian family. The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Police Anti-Narcotics Unit, Correction and Rehabilitation Centers, municipalities, and a number of civil society organizations.
The activities reached more than 200 participants, including young people, widows, housewives, parents, and inmates of correction and rehabilitation centers. They also included community awareness sessions held over a three-day period in Tulkarm Governorate, with the aim of increasing awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and contributing to efforts to prevent its spread.
The workshops and awareness sessions focused on the health, psychological, and social risks associated with drug abuse, the different types and forms of narcotic substances, early warning signs of substance use, prevention and early detection measures, and available treatment and recovery services. Particular emphasis was placed on the vital role of families in protecting children, adolescents, and young people from drug use and trafficking, and on strengthening family communication as the first line of defense against this threat.
The activities also highlighted the importance of early intervention, increasing participants’ awareness, promoting positive attitudes toward drug-free lifestyles, and reinforcing the concepts of individual and collective responsibility in protecting society—particularly young people—from the risks associated with drug abuse.
The Ministry of Social Development reaffirmed that combating drug abuse is a shared national and societal responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of government institutions, civil society organizations, and families alike. The Ministry further emphasized its commitment to continuing awareness-raising and preventive programmes and strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders in order to build a safer and more informed society and protect children and youth from the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.