2nd WHO FADAB to promote health partnerships under SDGs

27 / 06 / 2019

health

By Mawa Nassar - -

The second global Forum on alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors (FADAB) is meant to enhance public health actions in these areas by strengthening partnerships and collaboration among public health oriented organizations, networks and institutions in the era of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030).

The two-day event – which is due to open later Thursday – is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, Dr Ren Minghui, said “Built upon the success of the first World Health Organization (WHO) Forum on alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors held in 2017 in Geneva, the Second Forum is envisaged to bring a new impetus to international activities led or implemented by WHO in reducing the health and social burden associated with substance use and addictive behaviors. Against a rapidly changing global health landscape and increasing commercialization, strong international collaboration and partnerships are needed to address the harmful use of alcohol and public health dimensions of drug use and achieve Universal Health Coverage for people suffering from disorders due to substance use and addictive behaviors.”

The event provides an opportunity for a diverse group of stakeholders to develop new and strengthen existing partnerships, networks and collaborative projects.

The forum also serves as a platform for discussing a variety of topics organized around three major thematic tracks addressing the public health dimensions of alcohol, psychoactive drug use and addictive behaviors.

The forum discusses the implementation of effective policy options and interventions, commercial determinants of health and the role of different stakeholders in achieving public health objectives, monitoring progress in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the relevant SDG 2030 targets and the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).