Pubdate: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 Source: Gulf News (UAE) Copyright: 2006, Al Nisr Publishing, LLC Contact: http://www.gulf-news.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1604 Author: Rania Habib, Staff Reporter ABU DHABI TO HOST GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG ADDICTION Abu Dhabi: The emirate will initiate a global campaign against drug addiction when it hosts the first UAE International Conference on Addiction (UICA) next year, officials announced yesterday. With the motto "Yes...to Life", the UICA is organised by the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the National Addiction Centre in London. Over 300 speakers from various countries will participate in the first campaign of its kind, including Queen Silvia of Sweden, president of the Mentor foundation, a non-government drug prevention organisation. "Prevention is better than cure," said Abdul Aziz Nasser Al Raisi, NRC Chairman. "The best strategy is to address drugs. We want to develop rehabilitation and treatment inside the country, and be a support for other centres worldwide by exchanging expertise." The UICA will cover all kinds of addictions, including alcohol, prescribed and illegal drugs. A session on the interaction between the legal and healthcare systems will also be held. The conference will be held from March 10 to 12 and will address topics such as treatment, prevention and awareness. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine