Barzani Charity Foundation Launches National Anti-Narcotics Initiative in Erbil

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a landmark move under the patronage of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) on Thursday launched a national initiative aimed at confronting the growing threat of narcotics across the Region.

At the formal launch of the campaign, held in Erbil under the slogan “Together Toward a Strong and Healthy Society,” Musa Ahmed, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, declared the beginning of a comprehensive societal effort to tackle the rise of drug abuse.

“With the support of relevant ministries, government agencies, professional organizations, investors, and citizens across Kurdistan, we are laying a solid foundation to confront the dangers of narcotics in our society,” Ahmed said.

A Turning Point in the Fight Against Drug Abuse

Speaking at the event, which also saw the participation of senior cabinet officials including Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed, Education Minister Alan Hama Saeed, and Health Minister Dr. Saman Barzinji, Musa Ahmed described the campaign as “a historic day in the humanitarian mission of the Barzani Charity Foundation.”

“Like our other national initiatives, this project—backed by public and private partnerships—establishes a robust and exemplary model to counter the expanding narcotics crisis,” Ahmed noted.

He stressed that the initiative stems from months of consultations, research, and strategic planning to develop a response that touches every segment of society.

“In 2025, there should be no school, place of worship, or household in Kurdistan where awareness of narcotics risks is absent,” he stated.

First Rehab Center to Open in Erbil

Ahmed also highlighted a major milestone in the anti-narcotics campaign: the construction of the first regional rehabilitation center for drug users in Erbil, initiated by the Barzani Charity Foundation in coordination with the U.S.-based LDS Charities.

“On November 26, 2024, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for the facility in Erbil. With support from our international and national partners, similar centers will soon be replicated across all provinces,” he announced.

Coordinated Strategy for Lasting Impact

The Barzani Charity Foundation has vowed to coordinate with relevant ministries and civil institutions to promote prevention, treatment, and reintegration services for those affected by drug use.

“This campaign is part of a broader strategic plan within the Kurdistan Regional Government to stem the flow and spread of narcotics,” Ahmed said. “We are aligning efforts between the KRG and the federal government, as well as with international partners, to ensure the initiative delivers meaningful results.”

The national campaign is expected to extend throughout the year, combining educational outreach, legal reforms, and community rehabilitation to create a comprehensive response to one of the most pressing threats facing the Kurdistan Region today.