Cyprus: Frontline in Drug Prevention on Global Day

On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK) announced the intensification of its efforts for the prevention and treatment of addictions. The President of AAEK, Christos Minas, emphasized the importance of strengthening the skills and resilience of young people to choose a healthy lifestyle.

AAEK, as the national coordinating body, implements the National Strategy for Addressing Addiction 2021–2028 and the Action Plan 2025–2028. The approach is human-centered, holistic, and scientifically documented.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this year's campaign, titled "The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," highlights the connection between organized crime and drug trafficking and the devastating consequences for societies.

AAEK calls on governments, organizations, and societies to invest in prevention, strengthening the pillars of justice, education, health, and social support.