Egypt’s Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli inspected on Sunday the “Al-Azima Centre” affiliated with the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse during his extensive tour of Matrouh Governorate.
He also reviewed the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and the services provided to recovering addicts.
During the tour, Madbouli stressed that the political leadership places great importance on protecting youth and building the Egyptian citizen through comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programmes that facilitate reintegration into society and enhance social security.
He affirmed that combating addiction is a government priority and that investing in treatment and rehabilitation is an investment in the nation’s future, pledging continued government support for the Fund.
Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi said the Matrouh centre is one of three facilities inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Matrouh, the Red Sea and Port Said.
The Fund and its partners now operate 35 treatment centres across 20 governorates, including 11 “Al-Azima” centres.
The facilities have doubled government treatment beds and provide medical, psychological and social care, vocational training, economic empowerment and follow-up in accordance with international standards.
Fund Director Amr Othman explained that the Matrouh centre includes outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, rehabilitation and literacy halls, sports facilities, a football pitch, music hall, theatre, library, restaurant, green spaces and vocational workshops under the “Work Therapy” programme.
It has served nearly 13,000 patients from Matrouh and neighbouring governorates over six years.
Othman said 262,000 patients received treatment during the past two years through Fund centres, partner organisations and the 16023 hotline.
Awareness programmes reached more than 15,000 schools, 220 youth centres, 917 “Decent Life” villages and 10 alternative housing areas, while 10 university volunteer centres were established.
Two new centres in Aswan and Gharbia brought the total to 35.Drug testing of 20,000 school bus drivers reduced the positive rate from 12% in 2017 to 0.6%.
Two phases of the “You Are Stronger Than Drugs” campaign each exceeded 20 million views.Othman also highlighted the “With Our Own Hands” initiative, global treatment gaps and Egypt’s free, confidential services.
Madbouly met recovering addicts, directed support for marketing their products, launched a new campaign phase and posed with 120 beneficiaries.
He also ordered the nationwide replication of the “Determination” centres model.
