UN Secretary General Message for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

26th June is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for the International Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. Health is the ongoing theme of the world drug campaign.

In this message, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, stresses the importance to "Think Health, Not Drugs". He calls for the adoption of measures that reduce the harmful effects of drug use’ as a crucial part of the battle to combat HIV/AIDS, along with a social and economic development approach in drug-growing regions.