Al-Huwaila: Containment is the best path to addicts' recovery
The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, affirmed that combating the scourge of drugs requires the concerted efforts of all state institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and media outlets. She emphasized that raising awareness and promoting a culture of prevention constitute a shared national responsibility to protect society, particularly youth, from the dangers of addiction.
This statement was made during her speech at a lecture organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs on Monday at the Al-Murqab Hall in the Ministries Complex, with the participation of various official and civil society entities, under the title “A Nation That Protects You,” as part of the national awareness campaign against drugs.
Al-Huwaili welcomed the participants, expressing her gratitude and appreciation to the ministry’s partners from government entities, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media, as well as to all those who contributed to the success of the “A Nation That Protects You” campaign. She stressed that the campaign exemplified a distinguished national model of cooperation and integration aimed at protecting society and its members.
She noted that awareness-raising is a shared national responsibility, and that all partners play a fundamental role in disseminating awareness, strengthening a culture of prevention, and delivering messages that protect children from the scourge of drugs.
Al-Huwaili expressed her hope that the campaign would continue annually and expand to reach every home, school, and institution, thereby contributing to embedding prevention as an integral part of societal values.
The Minister of Social Affairs addressed families with sons or daughters facing addiction problems, urging them to deal with their children with understanding and support, free from fear or stigma. She affirmed that treatment is available, and that the state has provided safe and confidential channels to offer support, adding that cooperation with relevant authorities represents the best way to protect children and help them recover and return to their normal lives.
For their part, participating entities at the lecture stressed the importance of continuing joint national efforts to enhance awareness of the dangers of drugs and to solidify a culture of prevention among various segments of society, especially youth.
Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Kuwait Bar Association, and the Ghras Association for Drug Prevention emphasized that combating drugs is not limited to security measures alone, but relies on an integrated system that combines awareness, prevention, and family support, alongside the enforcement of the law. This holistic approach contributes to curbing the spread of this scourge and protecting society from its effects.
Speakers pointed out that the family, school, media, and civil society organizations constitute the first line of defense in detecting risky behaviors and reinforcing positive values among children. They called for intensifying awareness programs and sustaining partnerships between government and civil society entities, thereby consolidating public awareness and enhancing shared responsibility in protecting the younger generation and building a safer, more stable society.
