Drugs... A War on the Individual and the Nation
The Kuwaiti government, represented by the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Justice, has prioritized the issue of drugs and their harms. This commitment was evident in awareness and warning campaigns against these toxins that threaten our youth. The Ministry’s dedication was further underscored by the personal presence of Minister of Social Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, at awareness events, where she delivered a speech reflecting the nation’s resolve to confront the drug problem in Kuwait.
This governmental and public concern reflects a strong commitment to combating this scourge, which threatens the country’s development trajectory. Drugs are not merely a health issue; they are a societal affliction that undermines security, stability, the economy, and the family unit, draining the community’s energy and squandering its human capital.
Kuwait has recognized that prevention is the first line of defense. Consequently, efforts have been integrated, combining awareness campaigns, treatment, rehabilitation, deterrent legislation, and cooperation between state institutions and civil society. These measures aim to protect future generations from falling into the clutches of addiction. International reports indicate that the drug threat is escalating annually. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that approximately 316 million people worldwide used some form of drug in 2023, representing nearly 6% of the global population aged 15 to 64. Moreover, over 64 million people suffer from disorders related to drug use, requiring specialized treatment and care.
The losses extend beyond human health to encompass the economy and security. Drugs fuel organized crime networks, money laundering, and human trafficking, while increasing rates of violence, accidents, and criminal activity. They also lead to reduced productivity and higher expenditures on healthcare and security. The United Nations notes that the proliferation of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances has become an increasingly challenging threat to countries worldwide due to their rapid spread and severe dangers.
Therefore, the responsibility for combating drugs does not rest solely with government agencies; it is a shared responsibility that begins with the family, extends through schools and universities, media outlets, and concludes with religious and social institutions. An informed youth, fortified by values and knowledge, serves as a formidable barrier against the traffickers of death, who care only for profit, even if the cost is the loss of nations and the future of their children.
Kuwait, under its leadership and institutions, is on the right path by placing human protection at the core of its policies, because nation-building begins with building the individual. There can be no genuine development in a society where addiction is devouring its youth. I sincerely hope for the reinstatement of the National Committee for Combating Drugs, which brought all stakeholders under one roof to foster the practical cooperation and integration we urgently need to halt this dangerous assault on our children and society.
Cooperation enhances the effectiveness of prevention, awareness, firm justice, and social solidarity, as these elements constitute the fundamental pillars for victory in this ongoing national struggle against the scourge of drugs.
This is another war waged against us, possibly even by our enemies themselves. We all need to confront them in every arena. May God protect Kuwait.
