International Collaboration and Future Strategies: The Fourth WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours”

The Fourth WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (FADAB) is scheduled to take place in Geneva, as the COVID-19 pandemic situation has improved, enabling in-person meetings. This event follows the success of three previous forums in 2017, 2019, and 2021. It aims to boost international collaboration in managing substance use and addictive behaviors, emphasizing the implementation of commitments made in the Global alcohol action plan (2022-2030) ratified by the World Health Assembly in 2022. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant impact on public health priorities, the forum will stress the importance of international cooperation to address substance use and addictive behaviors, which are key determinants of mental health and well-being. Efforts are needed to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets, especially SDG health target 3.5 which calls for improved prevention and treatment of substance use and disorders. Participants from diverse fields such as policy-making, healthcare, academia, philanthropy, and public health entities are encouraged to join the forum.

Main Takeaways:

1. The Fourth WHO FADAB is set to occur in Geneva after COVID-19 previously necessitated an online format for the third forum.
2. The forum will focus on international cooperation for managing substance use and addictive behaviors, following the commitments from the Global alcohol action plan (2022-2030).
3. The pandemic’s impacts on public health have amplified the need for addressing substance use and addictive behaviors as they greatly affect mental health and well-being.
4. The forum will underscore the importance of progress towards achieving the SDG 2030 targets, particularly health target 3.5.
5. The forum welcomes and encourages participation from a wide range of individuals, including policymakers, healthcare providers, academics, philanthropists, and representatives of public health entities.