Prevention of the risks of drug and psychotropic substance abuse

Project Name: Prevention of the risks of drug and psychotropic substance abuse.
Start Date: 01/07/2024
End Date: 30/11/2024
Geographical Scope: Kirkuk Governance 
Direct Beneficiaries: 9,818
Indirect Beneficiaries: 52,216
In alignment with the Kirkuk Governorate Diwan’s directives outlined in Letter No. 1591, (Mam Humanitarian Foundation) in cooperation with the (General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs) implemented a comprehensive drug abuse awareness project in Kirkuk. The project commenced on (July 1, 2024) and concluded on (December 2024) involving a series of targeted activities designed to raise awareness and educate the community on drug abuse prevention and support for those affected. The total direct beneficiaries of this project were (9,818), the total indirect beneficiaries of this project were (52,216).  This project was implemented based on a project 23/10/2023, that MHF prepared, it included a workshop that was held inside the Kirkuk Governorate building and in the presence of representatives of all state departments. Employees (two) were present from each department, indicating the number of direct beneficiaries (30 people) and the number of indirect beneficiaries (300 people).
Project Activities
The project was structured around the following key activities:
1. Distribution of Awareness Materials (Start Date: 01/07/2024) -(01/08/2024).
10,000 Leaflets and 2,000 Posters were distributed throughout Kirkuk to spread critical awareness messages about drug abuse prevention and the available support services. This included 16 different locations which included (Taza gate (Kirkuk-Baghdad), 6 Gyms, Suq  Kabir Bazaar, Baghdad Road, Rahim Awah Bazaar, Shorjah Bazaar, Ahmed Agha Bazaar, Laylan district and Laylan check gate, Kirkuk-Erbil Gate, Kirkuk-Sulaimani Gate ). 
2. Educational Course for Medical Personnel (Start Date: 07/08/2024)- (28/08/2024).
In collaboration with the Kirkuk Health Directorate, an educational course was conducted for medical personnel lasting 5 days. This training focused on recognizing and addressing drug abuse, aiming to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to support affected individuals effectively. The course was led by Brigadier General Dr. Sabah Rashid Wadi.

3. Installation of Awareness Billboards (Start Date: 11/09/2024).
Billboards with prevention messages were installed at strategic locations at the entrances to (Kirkuk-Baghdad Gate) and (Kirkuk-Erbil Gate) and (Kirkuk-Sulaimani Gate). These visual cues were designed to reach a broad audience, reinforcing the project's anti-drug message. It focused on Article (40) of the Counter-Narcotics Law, in coordination with Kirkuk Province, Directorate of Drug Affairs / Kirkuk, and the Office of NGOs in Baghdad and Kurdistan. The size of the billboards was (5x3M) and written in three languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish). 

4. Creation of an Awareness Advertisement: (Start Date: 15/11/2024)
A video was developed in coordination with the Quality Department in Kirkuk, the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, and the Sunni and Shiite Endowment Diwan in Kirkuk. This video communicated essential information on the dangers of drug abuse and was broadcasted to reach diverse demographic groups. The video was (3.00) minutes long.