World Health Day is celebrated
On the occasion of the World Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is celebrated annually on June 26, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo and the Regional Center for Public Health in Gjilan, organized a roundtable dedicated to raising awareness and promoting preventive activities against drug use and abuse.
This year, this day is celebrated under the motto: “Stay away from drugs – for a healthy society”, with the aim of raising awareness about the risks posed by the use of narcotic substances, promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in preventing and combating drug abuse.
At the opening of the event, keynote speeches were given by representatives of the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, who emphasized the importance of joint institutional and social commitment to protecting public health, with special emphasis on children and young people, as the groups most vulnerable to the risk of drug use.
During this roundtable, the activities carried out during 2025 in the field of health promotion and education for the prevention of drug abuse were presented, highlighting the importance of education and awareness as key tools in preventing the use of narcotic substances. A presentation was also held on drugs and their effects on the physical, mental and social health of the individual, emphasizing the need for early intervention, professional support and a coordinated approach in the treatment of affected persons.
The activity was enriched with a theatrical performance with role plays by actors from the Gjilan Theater, which addressed the consequences of drug use and conveyed important messages for their prevention, as well as with the opening of an exhibition of creative works by students, carried out on the theme of anti-drug use, which reflected the commitment, creativity and level of awareness of young people on this issue of particular social and health importance.
This roundtable was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Regional Centers of Public Health, Main Centers of Family Medicine, Directorates of Health and Social Welfare, the Red Cross, Kosovo Police, Kosovo Security Force, representatives of the Faculty of Arts, the General Hospital of Gjilan, as well as representatives of civil society.
On this occasion, these institutions reiterated their commitment to continuing and expanding educational, promotional and preventive activities, with the aim of protecting public health and creating a safer, healthier and more supportive environment for all citizens.