Human rights-based health interventions key to combating addiction

Doha, Qatar: Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Office in Qatar Dr. Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, emphasised the critical role of human rights i...

Doha, Qatar: Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Office in Qatar Dr. Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, emphasised the critical role of human rights in addressing drug addiction and promoting public health. 

Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the Fourth National Human Rights Forum which opened in Doha yesterday, Dr. Bou Haka highlighted the importance of forums like the gathering, emphasising that multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective health interventions.  

“It’s very important not just for bringing people together but for promoting human rights-based approaches in health. Access to prevention, treatment, information, and healthcare services, guided by policies based on evidence and data, is crucial,” she said. 

On Qatar’s role in promoting regional and global health initiatives, Dr. Bou Haka stressed that the country is leading by example in studying addiction comprehensively. “Qatar is showing the way in research and implementing programmes that address the full scope of drug addiction. 

She called for collaborative efforts among countries to share successful strategies, detect problems early, and act promptly to prevent further escalation. She also commended the National Human Rights (NHRC)’s initiative for framing drug issues as not only a criminal matter but a human rights issue.