As part of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances due to their negative impact on individuals and society, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychoactive Substances (NCNPS), organized today (Monday) a ceremony to honor the winning projects in the third edition of the community competition aimed at reducing drug and psychoactive substance abuse. 
The ceremony took place at the Movenpick Hotel and was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, with the presence of Ministers, Undersecretaries, Governors, and Walyees, along with representatives from various government and non-governmental sectors.
The competition aims to enhance the role of Wilayat Health Committees by encouraging them to adopt service projects that address priority issues within their communities. It seeks to foster collaboration among community members and various sectors, promote community involvement in projects aimed at reducing drug and psychoactive substance abuse, and instill the concept of volunteerism. The competition further encourages positive participation for the common good and strengthens social cohesion by addressing addiction issues and fostering innovation and creativity in problem-solving approaches.
At the end of the ceremony, the patron of the event honored the winners of the third edition of the community competition.  Salalah’s (Determined) project for a safe and promising society won the first place, while  the second place was granted to Mutrah with a project that showcased resilience and teamwork under the slogan "Together We Unite." Rustaq received third place for its well-structured training program aimed at achieving sustainable development, while the fourth place was obtained by two Wilayat; Al Mudhaibi and Shinas. The fifth place was granted to Adam for its project aimed at enhancing awareness of drug and psychoactive substance harms through community-based initiatives.
A total of (28) projects participated in the competition, of which (19) were qualified. The central evaluation team reviewed and assessed the projects based on specific criteria.