The National Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi rolled out the campaign through its official social media channels, featuring recorded interviews with directors of its medical, psychological and social treatment units. These segments provide an overview of the services available for therapeutic care, mental healthcare and societal support aimed at aiding recovery from addiction while safeguarding community mental health. The initiative also educates the public on addiction prevention measures, the Emirates News Agency reported. A World Health Organization report published in 2025 found that mental disorders remain highly prevalent worldwide, affecting more than one billion people with anxiety and depressive disorders accounting for the majority of cases.
The campaign aligns with this year’s World Mental Health Day theme of making mental healthcare accessible to all, as set by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It addresses the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental wellbeing, particularly for frontline workers including teachers, nurses and doctors. The centre’s efforts focus on sharing positive stories of recovery to inspire those facing mental health challenges, WAM stated in its dispatch.
Dr. Hamad Al-Ghafri, Director General of the National Rehabilitation Centre, said in a statement that the mental health of an individual is the foundation of a person’s ability to go on and pursue life in a healthy manner, as it is the driving force that enables us to achieve our duties and accomplish our passions and interests, as well as giving us the will to face challenges. For this reason, we are keen to provide our support to help ensure our society not only has positive mental health, but is also protected from the risk of addiction. Al-Ghafri’s remarks were included in the Emirates News Agency coverage of the launch.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which includes the UAE, mental and neurological disorders account for 12 percent of all disability adjusted life years lost due to disease and injury, according to World Health Organization figures. Mental health disorders represent 27 percent of years lived with disability in the region. The data underscores the importance of initiatives like the one undertaken by the National Rehabilitation Centre to bridge gaps in awareness and service access.
The National Rehabilitation Centre has positioned the campaign as part of its broader mandate to integrate mental health support with addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs. Interactive elements on social media encourage community engagement and dialogue around mental wellbeing without stigma. Officials at the centre anticipate the drive will contribute to higher rates of early intervention among residents, the Emirates News Agency noted.
Regional health authorities have increasingly emphasized community-based mental health promotion in recent years, building on global targets outlined in the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan. The centre’s latest effort adds to a series of awareness activities it has conducted, including collaborations with educational institutions and public events. Further details on participation and resources are available through the National Rehabilitation Centre’s digital platforms.
