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Business Standard
17 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Date, theme, and why it matters
Every year on 26 June, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking—also known as 'World Drug Day'—to raise awareness of the global drug crisis and promote multilateral action toward prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. History & Theme On December 7, 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations set aside the 26th day of June of each year as International Day Against Illicit Trafficking of Drugs and other Substances of Abuse to be observed worldwide. The theme for 2025, Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime, emphasises the significance of focused long-term action to disrupt the link between drug trafficking and organised crime, both of which fuel violence, corruption, and instability across regions. 'Prevention and preparedness are how we break the cycle of organized crime.' @GhadaFathiWaly calls for the critical need to #InvestInPrevention, to protect people from drug use and empower communities to live in safety and dignity. #WorldDrugDay — UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) June 26, 2025 Organiser & Purpose Drug use: Global numbers from WHO WHO's data paints a stark picture: In 2022, 292 million people (5.6% of those aged 15–64) used illicit drugs at least once. 64 million individuals suffered from drug use disorders. In 2021, 296 million people used psychoactive substances, and around 600,000 lives were lost annually, primarily due to opioid overdoses. Approximately 14.8 million people inject drugs, with high HIV (15.2%) and hepatitis C (38.8%) prevalence. The global burden of drug use can cost up to 2% of a country's GDP, draining healthcare, legal, and social systems. International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Significance This day aims to: De-stigmatize drug dependence and treat it as a chronic medical condition. Expand affordable and evidence-based treatment services. Strengthen harm reduction strategies like needle exchange, opioid substitution therapy, and naloxone access. Foster international cooperation to combat organized crime linked to illicit trafficking. Looking forward Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.5—which calls for strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse—requires robust investments in healthcare, education, and community-led solutions. WHO continues to guide nations with tools, technical support, and initiatives like SAFER to reduce substance-related harm.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Know the date, theme, history, and significance
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025: According to the most recent UNODC World Drug Report, the number of drug users will reach 292 million by 2022, a 20% increase over the previous decade. On December 7, 1987, the General Assembly declared June 26 as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to encourage action and collaboration towards the goal of a drug-free world. It is also known as World Drug Day, with the day aiming to increase action and collaboration in the effort to end illicit drug use throughout the globe. The theme for 2025, 'Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime', emphasises the significance of focused long-term action to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking. 'Prevention and preparedness are how we break the cycle of organized crime.'@GhadaFathiWaly calls for the critical need to #InvestInPrevention, to protect people from drug use and empower communities to live in safety and dignity.#WorldDrugDay — UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) June 26, 2025 It encourages tackling it through fundamental causes, the day encourages investment in prevention, including justice, education, health care, and alternative livelihoods – all are essential components of long-term resilience. Every year, people, cities, and various organisations throughout the world support this global observance, which attempts to raise awareness of the huge threat that illegal drugs pose to society. The Government of India, through its zero-tolerance policy, active enforcement measures, and people-centric programs such as Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, is making significant progress towards a safer, healthier, and drug-free future for Indians. #WATCH | Delhi: As Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) organises the Program Of Cyclothon on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit, Director General of NCB, Anurag Garg says, '26 June is celebrated as International Anti-Drug day and the way it is emerging in… — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025
