Topic:
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Shyla Chadda
World Health Organization
Substance Abuse
Dominion of Canada
Shyla Chadda
Forest Hills Eastern High School
Substance abuse is a global problem that affects millions through the harm of addiction. Substance use has been increasing over the past decade. According to the United Nations, the global estimate is 292 million people ages 15 to 64 who have been involved in drug use in the past year. This is an increase of 20% more than the earlier decade. In 2022, cannabis was estimated with 228 million users in the past year and was the most-used drug globally, followed by opioids with 60 million, and cocaine and ecstasy with around 20 million. Over time, the spectrum of drugs and substances has expanded, increasing the harmful consequences globally. Disease and other health factors are connected with drug abuse, especially through opioid use. Other health risk components include drug use disorders, which can be caused by substance abuse as well. 64 million people worldwide were affected by drug use disorders in 2022, with an increase of 3% compared to 2018 according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). WHO Director-General, Dr Ghebreyesus stated that “Substance use severely harms individual health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths every year…”
In Canada, it is estimated that about 21% of the population will fall into addiction. Alcohol was the most commonly known substance, followed by Marijuana, with more than 40% of Canadians using it in their lifetime. Canada has been in its prime of substance abuse throughout its history. Since 2016, more than 38,500 people have died from opioid toxicity. Data has occurred of a total of 47,162 apparent opioid toxicity deaths reported between January 2016 and March 2024. Canada has taken measures to mitigate this through releasing programs such as the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). This has been used to create an approach to promote public health and safety. The Canadian Government has taken the initiative to include harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies for those in need of substance abuse as well as bringing prevention and education. This includes drug-checking services and data collection on substance-related harms and illegal drug supply. In addition, The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) implements developing policies and programs related to mitigating the effects and use of substance abuse. CPHA was also involved in advocating the legalization of cannabis in 2018 to further improve public health. Canada continues to see harm from other substances such as tobacco and alcohol. According to the Canadian Costs of Substance Use and Harms 2007-2020 report, substance use cost Canadians more than $49 billion and led to the loss of 200 lives per day in 2020. Furthermore, in 2020 tobacco was the leading cause of substance deaths with 46,336 people. Then followed by alcohol with 17,098 deaths, and opioid use with 6,491 deaths. These deaths also increased costs to the health care system including hospitalizations, emergency visits, and specialized treatment for substance abuse symptoms. This amounted to $3.14 billion in 2020. WHO has taken action by supplementing many programs such as SDG 3.5 and the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 to reduce substance abuse and increase global health security, which has been supported by Canada. The CDSS response is to increase public safety from substance abuse by prioritizing children and youth who are more at risk of the negative impacts of substance abuse.
Canada recommends a public health-focused strategy to reduce substance abuse by implementing government programs and fostering awareness of the issue. Furthermore, The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) has created a Legal Regulation plan to promote public health and reduce harm. Additionally, Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) also provides funding to other levels of government organizations in Canada. Canada advocates for a global standpoint, to follow these policies by creating an organization to develop public health and safety for all. These policies can be funded by those willing and can be further regulated by those with a stronger economy to help vulnerable nations. Canada recognizes the issue of substance abuse along with the importance of global health security and is willing to solve the concern.
