Developing an interministerial substance use response strategy for Lebanon: process, content and lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Substance Use Disorders
• Health Policy

Background:

• Substance use in Lebanon is increasing, with limited access to evidence-based services.
• High levels of stigma and discrimination hinder effective substance use response.
• Existing strategies require enhancement to address current challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a national strategy for substance use response in Lebanon.
• To address identified challenges in substance use prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.
• To align with the national "Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020".

Main Methods:

• Multi-sectoral collaboration involving key ministries (Public Health, Education, Interior, Justice, Social Affairs).
• Stakeholder consultations to identify challenges and inform strategy development.
• Adoption of key principles: evidence-based approach, stakeholder participation, national consensus, flexibility, and transparency.

Main Results:

• A new national strategy for substance use response was launched.
• The strategy encompasses six domains of action, covering the full spectrum of substance use.
• Strategic objectives were defined to tackle identified challenges.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy provides a comprehensive framework for addressing substance use in Lebanon.
• Successful strategy development was facilitated by collaborative efforts and guiding principles.
• The strategy aims to improve services, reduce stigma, and combat rising substance use.