Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt honors recovered addiction survivors
In a powerful gesture of hope and encouragement, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior has recognized and honored individuals who have successfully overcome substance addiction, celebrating their remarkable journeys during the 74th National Police Day festivities.
The ceremony, held at Al-Azima centers affiliated with the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction, saw high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Interior, including Major General Mohamed Zohair and Major General Mofeed Fawzy, present commemorative gifts to the recovered individuals. Their aim: to inspire those in recovery to continue their path toward healthy, integrated living.
This heartfelt event was attended by prominent figures, among them Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the Addiction Treatment Fund; Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the National Alliance’s Technical Secretariat; Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, President of the National Council for Human Rights; along with members of Egypt’s parliament, public figures, university professors, and representatives from religious communities and ministries. Representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime were also present, reflecting international support and cooperation in the fight against addiction.
For many attending, the ceremony was more than symbolic. "We used to run from the police while struggling with addiction," shared one of the honored individuals. "Today, we are being celebrated by the Ministry of Interior for our recovery and our commitment to building better lives. Long live Egypt!"
Egypt’s Al-Azima centers, under the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction, provide free, confidential, and internationally accredited rehabilitation services across 21 provinces. In 2023 alone, over 8,000 people received vocational training as part of post-recovery support, empowering them to rejoin the workforce and reintegrate into society. The centers continue to emphasize dignity, confidentiality, and hope, seeking to break the stigma around addiction and recovery.
Dr. Amr Osman, addressing the gathering, praised the Ministry of Interior for their commitment to social support alongside security. He highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Addiction Treatment Fund and anti-narcotics authorities, which includes Egypt’s first-ever unified national strategy focusing on both demand and supply reduction of drugs. The initiative features primary prevention in schools, youth centers, and families, and leverages religious and community leaders to correct misconceptions about substance use.
International hotlines, such as Egypt’s own 16023, offer free support and access to 35 treatment centers nationwide, further demonstrating Egypt’s dedication to comprehensive, stigma-free addiction recovery.
As those honored returned to their communities, many expressed pride and gratitude. Their journeys, once marked by hardship and evasion, now serve as beacons of possibility — a testament to the healing that comes from compassion, community, and national support.