UAEU Signs MoU to Curb Addictions Within Society & Promote Public Health Initiatives.
As part of a continued effort to promote public health and to combat addictions within society, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (ICPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to develop preventative strategies through education, advocacy and research.
The ICPA is a non-governmental organization, founded in 1952 and has been active in over 100 countries since its inception. The ICPA’s core mission is the prevention of addictions, specifically but not limited to - alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use, and at risk behaviours in general. The ICPA has a special interest in smoking cessation initiatives, advocacy and policy development related to alcohol and tobacco use.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas, Provost and Chief Academic Officer from the United Arab Emirates University and Dr. Peter Andalus, Executive Director from the ICPA.
Under the memorandum both parties agreed to intensify efforts in furthering public health initiatives in the United Arab Emirates related specifically to smoking cessation initiatives, tobacco policy and training in smoking cessation programs. They also aim to explore opportunities for teaching, research and policy creation with special reference to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The ICPA will identify a researcher/academic to work as a lecturer in the UAEU and will provide a series of expert lectures over the period of the initial project.
The signing of the MoU represents both parties' commitment towards a common goal, to curb additions within society and to disseminate knowledge and educate the public, especially the youth in the UAE. The UAEU continues its commitment to provide support and research solutions of strategic importance to the nation, the region, and the world.
