The WHO Country Office in Türkiye and the Turkish Green Crescent signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate joint efforts in strengthening strategies against addictions and protecting public health.
The signing ceremony took place at the Green Crescent headquarters with the participation of high-level representatives, including Associate Professor Mehmet Dinç, President of the Turkish Green Crescent; Dr Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent; Mr Ergin Beceren, Director of International Cooperation and Federation Management of the Turkish Green Crescent Society; Dr Tasnim Atatrah, WHO Representative to Türkiye; Dr Laura Vremis from WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat; Dr Yolanda Bayugo, Deputy Head of the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies; Dr Babatunde Ahonsi, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye; as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health and press members.
Addiction: a global threat to health and society
“Addiction isn’t just about individuals making poor choices anymore; it has become a worldwide crisis that threatens societies, economies and future prospects,” underlined Associate Professor Dinç during the ceremony. “Today, addiction is a worldwide crisis. Millions are affected, communities are disrupted and economies strained. Its scale makes clear – no nation can overcome it alone. The solution must be collective, cross-border and global.”
Underlining the importance of partnerships in addressing public health challenges, Dr Tasnim Atatrah shared, “By bringing together the WHO’s extensive global reach with Green Crescent’s on-the-ground expertise, we will be empowered to create more effective, inclusive and sustainable solutions. Together, we can build a stronger worldwide front against addiction.”
Shared commitment to evidence-based action
The MoU paves the way for collaboration to expand international health and prevention strategies, promote evidence-based policies and enhance efforts to protect young people from the risks of addiction. Activities will include knowledge exchange, joint programmes and strengthened cooperation mechanisms.
In line with WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022–2030) and international prevention and treatment standards, the MoU aims to boost scientific evidence-based prevention and intervention measures. With this collaboration, it is expected to create new benchmarks in awareness-raising, policy advocacy and community-level action against addictions in Türkiye and globally.
The Turkish Green Crescent at a glance
Founded in 1920, the Turkish Green Crescent is one of Türkiye’s oldest nongovernmental organizations working in the field of public health. It is dedicated to preventing and reducing addictions, including tobacco, alcohol, drugs, gambling and digital addictions, through evidence-based prevention programmes, advocacy and community engagement. With its national reach and international network, Green Crescent plays a leading role in promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting young people from harmful behaviours.