Countering Addiction

Rates of addiction and substance abuse have increased dramatically in the region, up to 20 to 25%. Based on KAID’s recent meeting with the Counter-Addiction General Director and a number of offices in the Ministry of Interior, there are an increased number of individuals jailed on drug charges and an increase in illicit and destabilizing activity related to the drug trade. Countering addiction is a public health issue and a security prerogative for the Kurdistan Region. 

To address these challenges, KAID built a partnership between Washington State University and the University of Koya to work on education and capacity-building activities in the fight against addiction. The two universities have signed an MOU under KAID auspices. Government representatives will join experts from both universities for a seminar on the topic of countering addiction this coming academic year. 

In 2022, KAID convened a series of meetings for middle school, high school and university students to raise awareness of drug abuse, providing information on the legal, medical, and social dimensions of this problem. 

This seminar is intended to form the basis of a partnership that will identify what the region needs to better counter drug addiction and create scientific research, educational materials, and training programs that respond to those needs. 

Strengthening Education in Iraq and Syria.

We have been working with Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Rojava in Qamishlo, North and East Syria to work on online resources, assist in developing education methodology, and discuss future opportunities for research collaboration between academic institutions. 

Initially we plan on introducing the medical departments to one another, and from there we may branch out to other departments, such as the art department. The largest constraint with other departments is a language barrier as many of the professors do not speak English comfortably enough to engage constructively. Once KAID is able to have a representative on the ground in NE Syria, it will be easier to facilitate meetings and support constructive discussions with the humanities departments as well as the medical faculty.  

Throughout our discussions with Rojava University, it has become evident the university is lacking in resources for its educators and students. Historically, NE Syria was neglected by the Assad Regime, particularly in terms of access to education. The establishment of this university is the building block of providing access to education for future generations in the region, which will help create security and stability after the defeat of ISIS, counter radical sentiments, and help create conditions under which refugees can return home. Universities in the KRI, which took on a similar challenge of building an education system in a Kurdish region disenfranchised and weakened by war, can provide unique knowledge and insights. KAID can facilitate this through its connections to universities on both sides and its experiences connecting those universities with US institutions.

Information about Kurdistan AID (KAID).
KAID is an NGO that is focused on primarily capacity development efforts in the Middle East, primarily Iraq and Syria.  Our emphasis is on promoting democracy in the region, women’s issues, local government development-capacity building, education, counter radicalism, and medical training.  
KAID has been working on “Drug abuse, substance use disorders, and addiction” over the past few years in collaboration with Washington State University, Rojava University, Koya University, and other U.S and European research institutions

Middle East Economic and Security Council (MEESC).
This program of modeling a “NATO style” organization for the Middle East.  This has evolved into the Middle East Economic and Security Council (MEESC). https://meesc.org/. The program is formed to foster increased security, stability, and economic prosperity to the Middle East region.

• Remeber, Drug irregularites your body chemistry
• Remember, Water is essential for detoxification