An important step has been taken to strengthen the role of civil society in the fight against addictions, which threaten the future of humanity. As the Human Life Association (İnsani Hayat Derneği), we participated in the press conference where the report titled "The Role of Civil Society in Combatting Addictions, Current Threats, and Strategic Solution Proposals," prepared by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, was shared with the public.

During the meeting, the strategic importance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in this field, the necessity of rapid legal regulations, the importance of coordination with the state, and the vital need for cooperation with experienced experts were highlighted.

General President Yunus Çetinkol: "The Role of NGOs Must Be Strengthened"

Speaking at the meeting, Yunus Çetinkol, General President of the Humanitarian Life Association, pointed out the potential power of civil society in preventing addiction and stated:

"All non-governmental organizations are inadvertently conducting preventive work in the fight against addiction. We want these organizations to further strengthen the role of civil society in the field of addiction through their efforts and to ensure that beneficial and coordinated work is carried out in this area."

İHH Borad Member Osman Atalay: "A Presidency for Combatting Addictions Should Be Established"

Emphasizing that addiction is not just a health issue but a matter of national survival, Osman Atalay, Member of the IHH Board of Trustees, proposed a fundamental structural solution to eliminate the current fragmented approach:

"The establishment of a 'Presidency for Combatting Addictions' or an 'Institute' is crucial to eliminate the fragmented structure of this struggle. A high-level presidency with a defined budget and authority should be established to manage all processes from a single center. Public awareness policies should be concentrated in primary education institutions; awareness of the fight against addiction must be instilled in children from a very young age. To ensure the development and safety of students, the relationship between family, school, and teachers must be strengthened."

Green Crescent Board Member Mustafa Çağrı Soyer: "The Economic Cost of Addiction is 78 Billion Dollars"

Sharing striking data regarding the economic dimension of the struggle, Mustafa Çağrı Soyer, Board Member of the Green Crescent (Yeşilay), summarized the burden of the "addiction economy" on Turkey:

“A total of 78 billion dollars of our national wealth goes abroad due to cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, and drugs. This amount is a massive budget that could allow the state to buy a house for every homeless person or build 38 high-speed train projects between Istanbul and Ankara. With this money, our country's entire current account deficit could be closed."