The ISSUP Scientific Council’s inaugural webinar chose *"Prevention Systems: An ISSUP Scientific Council Discussion,"* as its first topic of highlight. The webinar brought together international experts and practitioners to explore how prevention systems can address substance use and its broader societal impacts. Held on 6 December 2024, the event provided a dynamic platform for discussing evidence-based strategies, real-world examples, and ways to strengthen prevention frameworks globally.
The discussion emphasized that prevention systems are not merely a collection of interventions but an integrated framework that supports individuals across all stages of life. Dr. Wadih Maalouf, UNODC Prevention Programme Coordinator, highlighted this perspective, stating:
“Prevention is not just about addressing drug use—it’s about investing in the person. It’s about supporting individuals at critical stages of their development to build resilience and well-being.”
He also underscored the importance of early intervention: “The earlier we start, the better. Prevention efforts can begin as early as during pregnancy, creating a foundation for healthier lives and stronger communities.”
Adding a European perspective, Dr. Rachele Donini, a psychologist and psychotherapist, shared insights from her extensive work with the European Prevention Curriculum and other regional initiatives. Dr. Donini, who leads the Drug Prevention Unit in Savona, Italy, is a certified trainer for the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and has spearheaded numerous projects to improve the quality of prevention systems across Europe. She explained,
‘A prevention system is more than the sum of its parts. It’s about connections, collaboration, and ensuring that interventions are effective, sustainable, and grounded in evidence,”* she said.
Dr. Donini also emphasized the role of collaboration across sectors, noting that partnerships between health and education ministries in Italy have greatly improved the delivery of school-based prevention programs.
Professor John Toumbourou, Chair in Health Psychology at Deakin University in Australia, brought attention to the critical role of communities in prevention. With a distinguished career in promoting adolescent mental health and substance use prevention, Professor Toumbourou is a leader in developing community-based coalition models that address complex social challenges.
“Communities are where change happens. When coalitions bring together educational campaigns, harm reduction strategies, and supportive policies, they create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. But it’s vital to ground these efforts in evidence and continuously evaluate their impact.”
The panelists collectively stressed the importance of using prevention systems to achieve outcomes that extend beyond substance use, such as better mental health, reduced violence, and stronger social connections.
One of the core messages of the event was the value of using prevention systems to achieve multiple outcomes beyond reducing substance use. As Dr. Maalouf noted, “When prevention systems are aligned with evidence, their impact goes beyond addressing drug use. They contribute to better mental health, reduced violence, and stronger social connections, creating benefits that extend across generations.”
The event also spotlighted resources like the UNODC International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, which provide a roadmap for effective strategies tailored to local contexts and reflected on the CHAMPS initiative and its value within this global call for action to invest in prevention systems.
As the ISSUP Scientific Council continues its efforts, the global call for action is clear: governments, practitioners, and communities must prioritize prevention systems as a cornerstone of public health and societal resilience.
Related Articles and Resources:
A Rationale for an Orientation Towards Systems of Prevention – Dr. Wadih Maalouf
For those who missed the live event, a recording of this insightful discussion can be accessed on the ISSUP website: Prevention Systems: An ISSUP Scientific Council Discussion |International Society of Substance Use Professionals.
