Situational analysis: regional review of the substance use Atlas 2015.

Abstract

The Atlas project on substance use is a global WHO project that aims to collect and disseminate data on resources for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Information on resources available in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region was first published in 2012. The Atlas questionnaire was updated in 2014 and data were collected in all WHO Member States. All countries of the Region submitted the Atlas questionnaire. This report presents the latest key information on resources for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region based on the responses of the countries to the questionnaire. Current estimates show that the burden attributable to drug use disorders in the Region is high. Health system resources for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders vary across countries, but are generally still insufficient to provide adequate care and treatment for people with these disorders. Countries need to strengthen prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, particularly by increasing coverage of treatment interventions.