The Second Naufar Forum on the “Precision Medicine Approach in Treating Substance Use Disorders (SUD)” concluded successfully on Monday. Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud launched the event at Naufar Centre on Sunday, marking the start of two days of vibrant discussions.
Professor Al-Maadheed expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Health and national scientific institutions for their support. He pointed out that Naufar Centre remains deeply committed to advancing healthcare for substance use disorders.
This year’s programme showcased 22 leading speakers from Qatar and around the globe. Professor Amine Benyamina, president of the French Federation of Addictology, spoke about the urgent need for precision medicine in addiction care, also Vidya Mohamed-Ali from University College London discussed the gut-brain axis and its influence on addiction treatment.
Professor Fares Alharbi from Saudi Arabia highlighted challenges linked to polysubstance abuse in the Middle East. Dr Nathalie Rieser from the University of Zurich shared new findings on using psilocybin to prevent relapse.
The forum’s sessions covered a broad range of vital topics. These included genomics, pharmacogenetics, medication-assisted treatments, psychiatric disorders, and gaming addiction.
On the second day, interactive workshops encouraged participants to create innovative strategies for tackling addiction. Dr Khalifa Al Kuwari, deputy director-general of Naufar, introduced the Naufar model of care, focusing on holistic, patient-centred treatments.
The recurring theme of “precision medicine in addiction care” echoed throughout all sessions. Speakers reinforced that individualized care, guided by scientific evidence, must shape the future of recovery programs.
Naufar Centre, accredited by CARF for the third cycle, remains a leader in specialized treatment for substance use disorders. By combining diagnosis, rehabilitation, and community support, Naufar empowers patients to rebuild their lives. Through initiatives like this forum, “precision medicine in addiction care” will continue driving innovation and hope for a healthier future.