Tunisian Ministry of Health Launches National Digital Platform to Centralise Drug‑Use Data
Published: March 2 2026
Overview
At the end of 2025, the Ministry of Health unveiled a national digital platform designed to centralise data on drug consumption and addiction. The tool is part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at preventing and treating substance‑use disorders across Tunisia.
“The platform will enable us to monitor the evolution of public‑health indicators, track the progression of addictions, and map changes in the types of drugs circulating in the country,” the Ministry explained in a written response dated 2 March 2026, following a parliamentary question from Deputy Olfa Marouani.
Background
- National Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviours – created in 2018 under the National Institute of Health – had not published any report or communiqué on the launch of national studies until now.
- The parliamentary inquiry also covered the Ministry’s programmes for expanding reception centres, detoxification units, and post‑treatment follow‑up facilities throughout all regions.
Strengthening Structures & National Strategy
A 2021‑onwards policy framework
Since 2021, the Ministry has been implementing a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of psycho‑active substance use that focuses on:
- Risk reduction
- Treatment of addiction‑related disorders
- Social and professional reintegration of affected individuals
The strategy relies on systematic data collection and analysis to steer public‑policy decisions.
Civil‑society partnership (April 2025)
From April 2025, the Ministry has been collaborating with civil‑society associations and regional youth teams to embed these actors into the national plan and to target adolescents more effectively.
Development of Care Centres
| Centre | Location | Key Figures | Opening / Expansion Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre de l’Espoir | Jebel Ouest | 1 300 out‑patient consultations per year; > 70 residents in a protected therapeutic community | Re‑opened March 2019 (model for post‑treatment facilities) |
| Centre Tanit (women’s day‑hospital) | Hospital Razi | – | Created March 2023 |
| New Clinics | Sfax | – | 17 July 2025 |
| Tunis – Al‑Widiya Unit | – | 13 October 2025 | |
| Monastir | – | 1 November 2025 | |
| Gafsa | – | 1 December 2025 | |
| Jendouba | – | 2 January 2026 |
Methadone Treatment Roll‑out
- Methadone therapy has been introduced in the Tanit, Espoir, and Al‑Widiya centres.
- A phased expansion across all regions is planned to meet the growing demand for opioid‑substitution treatment.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Projects
- “Thina” centre expansion in Sfax.
- “Espoir” extension in Jebel Ouest.
- New treatment centre under construction in Monastir, with a site slated for Benan (Al‑Harkousiya region).
Research & Monitoring
- In January 2023, the Ministry released the results of the third edition of the MedSPAD survey (Mediterranean Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs in Schools).
- The survey tracks psycho‑active substance use among youth, following previous editions conducted in 2013 and 2017.
Takeaway
The launch of the digital platform marks a significant step forward in Tunisia’s fight against drug addiction, providing real‑time data to inform prevention, treatment, and reintegration policies. Coupled with the expansion of specialised care centres and enhanced civil‑society collaboration, the Ministry of Health is positioning the country to better address the evolving landscape of substance use.
Keywords: Tunisia, Ministry of Health, drug addiction, digital platform, methadone treatment, prevention strategy, youth drug use, MedSPAD survey, rehabilitation centres.
