Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Hadley Abrutyn
Committee: WHO
Topic: Substance Abuse
Country: Iran
School: Roeper
Delegate Name: Hadley Abrutyn
Substance abuse, which is the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over the counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are intended, continues to be a significant public health issue globally, with an estimated 292 million people using drugs in 2022. The Islamic Republic of Iran is no exception, facing an opioid epidemic fueled by proximity to major drug-producing regions and increasing methamphetamine use. The Iranian government has implemented progressive policies in response to this, including needle exchange programs, methadone maintenance treatment, and providing free treatment for opioid addiction. However, some challenges remain, such as limited access to treatment in rural areas and the social stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.
The World Health Organization (WHO) can play a crucial role in supporting Iran’s ongoing efforts by providing technical assistance, expanding access to naloxone to prevent overdose deaths, and enhancing community outreach programs that address both the health and social drivers of substance abuse.
Iran’s approach is rooted in its commitment to both public health and social rehabilitation. Policies such as offering free opioid treatment and a more lenient stance on drug-related offenses compared to other countries in the region have provided a foundation for tackling addiction.
However, to further enhance the effectiveness of these policies, it is essential that the WHO partners with Iran to improve the availability of treatment in underserved regions and work to reduce the stigma around substance use.
The WHO can support these efforts by offering evidence-based treatment models and aiding in the sharing of successful harm reduction strategies from other countries. Additionally, given the Islamic Republic’s cultural and political context, the WHO’s initiatives must be sensitive to local customs and values while still promoting effective drug treatment and preventative measures.
To effectively address the issue of substance abuse, Iran must continue to build on its existing harm reduction framework while expanding access to treatment and preventive measures. By working together, Iran and the international community can make significant progress in reducing the harms associated with drug use and improving public health outcomes in the region. First, strengthening community-based awareness programs is crucial to educate the population, particularly youth, about the risks of substance abuse. Second, Iran advocates for the establishment of regional drug monitoring and prevention systems to address the growing problem of illicit drug trafficking in the middle east. Finally, Iran calls for the inclusion of substance abuse as a priority area in development assistance programs, ensuring that low-income countries receive the necessary resources to address these interconnected challenges. Iran emphasizes its commitment to combating substance abuse through national and regional strategies, and calls on the international community to support these efforts. By promoting collaboration and dissecting the root causes of substance abuse, Iran aims to protect its population and promote healthier communities.