ABU DHABI TO HOST GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG ADDICTION

Abu Dhabi: The emirate will initiate a global campaign against drug
addiction when it hosts the first UAE International Conference on
Addiction (UICA) next year, officials announced yesterday.

With the motto "Yes...to Life", the UICA is organised by the National
Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the
National Addiction Centre in London.

Over 300 speakers from various countries will participate in the
first campaign of its kind, including Queen Silvia of Sweden,
president of the Mentor foundation, a non-government drug prevention
organisation.

"Prevention is better than cure," said Abdul Aziz Nasser Al Raisi,
NRC Chairman.

"The best strategy is to address drugs. We want to develop
rehabilitation and treatment inside the country, and be a support for
other centres worldwide by exchanging expertise."

The UICA will cover all kinds of addictions, including alcohol,
prescribed and illegal drugs.

A session on the interaction between the legal and healthcare systems
will also be held.

The conference will be held from March 10 to 12 and will address
topics such as treatment, prevention and awareness.