Recommendations Issued by the First Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Thamar University

Under the theme, "Confronting the Challenges of Addiction in Yemeni Society, Reality, Challenges, and Solutions"

Introduction
Believing in the pivotal role of academic and research institutions in serving society and recognizing the national responsibility towards the serious challenges posed by the growing phenomenon of addiction, and culminating in in-depth scientific discussions and fruitful deliberations that brought together a select group of scientists, researchers, physicians, experts and decision-makers, the First Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Thamar University announces the adoption of a multi-dimensional national strategy to confront this scourge and submits the following recommendations to the relevant authorities.

First Axis
Towards an Evidence-Based Knowledge Strategy. This axis aims to establish a research and information infrastructure to guide policies and interventions based on accurate data and scientific evidence.

1. Establishing a National Center for Addiction Research
Establishing a specialized research center at Thamar University to serve as a national reference for studying the epidemiology of addiction, analyzing its patterns and evaluating its social and economic impacts.

2. Activating the National Addiction Observatory
Developing a national database and establishing an observatory to monitor and track addiction cases with the aim of providing accurate and up-to-date statistical indicators to support decision-makers.

3. Directing and Supporting Scientific Research
Allocating the necessary resources and funding comprehensive field and survey studies aimed at understanding the factors leading to addiction and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs.

Second Axis
Building an Integrated Community Prevention System. This axis focuses on activating primary prevention mechanisms, protecting the most vulnerable groups, and building informed community awareness.

1. Integrating Mental Health into Education
Integrating life skills, mental health and addiction prevention programs into the curricula at all levels of general and university education.

2. Strengthening the Pivotal Role of the Family
Establishing family counseling units, developing scientific tools for early detection and intensifying awareness programs targeting parents to empower them to fulfill their preventive and therapeutic roles.

3. Integrating Institutional and Community Roles
Drafting a national code of ethics to unify the efforts of religious institutions, media outlets and civil society organizations to launch sustainable awareness campaigns aimed at changing negative perceptions surrounding addiction and reducing social stigma.

4. Activating Youth Development Programs

• Sports and Cultural Activities: Adopting a national initiative to rehabilitate sports and cultural facilities and designing engaging programs to utilize young people's leisure time.

• National and Rehabilitational Activities:
Advocating for the study and implementation of national frameworks (such as community or vocational service) aimed at rehabilitating young people, strengthening their sense of belonging, and protecting them from risky behaviors.

Third Axis
Developing Comprehensive Treatment and Rehabilitation Services. This axis aims to ensure the provision of high-quality treatment and rehabilitation services, accessible to all, and based on the latest scientific protocols.

1. Expanding Treatment Infrastructure
Calling on the Ministry of Public Health and Population to adopt a national project to establish specialized "Hope" centers for treating and rehabilitating addiction cases in all governorates, with priority given to establishing a referral hospital in Dhamar Governorate.

2. Building Professional Capacity Implementing continuous training and development programs for medical, psychological, and social workers and restricting the provision of psychological and neurological treatment services to licensed consultant physicians and specialists.

3. Developing Aftercare Programs Designing integrated programs for vocational rehabilitation and the social and economic reintegration of recovering individuals to ensure their stability and reduce relapse rates.

Fourth Axis
Strengthening the Legislative and Regulatory Framework. This axis focuses on activating and developing the legal system to ensure a robust and deterrent legislative environment.

1. Updating the Legislative System Implementing a comprehensive review of laws related to combating drugs and psychotropic substances, enforcing penalties against smuggling and trafficking networks and considering the establishment of specialized judicial circuits.

2. Governing the Distribution of Pharmaceutical Products

• Imposing strict electronic monitoring of the prescribing and dispensing of controlled medications.

• Mandating that physicians and pharmacists apply the standardized (triple-copy) prescription system for controlled substances.

• Criminalizing the sale of any pharmaceutical products outside of official, approved channels.

3. Strengthening border control Enhancing the efficiency of monitoring and security agencies at border crossings and equipping them with modern technologies to detect smuggled goods.

4. Combating new gateways to addiction
Imposing a complete ban on the import and distribution of electronic cigarettes and their derivatives, considering them a primary gateway to addiction.

Fifth axis
Responding to emerging challenges and providing developmental alternatives

1. Addressing Behavioral and Digital Addiction
Developing a national strategy to combat behavioral addiction (electronic games, the internet), including the establishment of specialized treatment platforms and centers.

2. Developing Economic Alternatives Adopting a strategic plan to provide incentives for farmers to shift towards cultivating economically viable cash crops as an alternative to khat cultivation.

Sixth Axis
Governance of Implementation and Ensuring Sustainability

To ensure these recommendations are translated into effective implementation measures, the conference recommends the following:

1. Establishing a High-Level National Committee
Forming a high-level national committee comprised of relevant stakeholders, tasked with monitoring the implementation of the conference recommendations and providing the necessary support.

2. Adopting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Developing a clear timeframe and performance indicators to measure progress in each of the strategy's axes.

3. Issuing a Periodic National Report Requiring the committee to issue an annual national report outlining the level of achievement, analyzing challenges, and proposing corrective solutions.

In conclusion, the conference participants, in placing these recommendations in the hands of decision-makers, affirm that the battle of awareness and science against the scourge of addiction is a historical and national responsibility and their hope rests on the concerted efforts of all to transform this vision into a reality that protects future generations and builds a healthy and prosperous nation.