A national platform codenamed “Hayah” was launched today to provide support and advice about the harms of addiction to drugs and psychotropic substances.
“Hayah” (life) is the Sultanate of Oman’s first digital platform designed to render comprehensive awareness and advisory services in the field of prevention of addiction and the treatment of addicts.
“Hayah” will open up direct support channels for serving individuals, families and all segments of society.
The platform is a partnership among 7 ministries, which are: The Ministry of Social Development; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation; the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs; the Ministry of Information; and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.
“Hayah” was launched in response to social challenges linked to the spread of drug use and a surge in number of addicts —which underlined the need to provide reliable information and awareness-raising data in one place. This has been envisaged and realized in the form of an electronic site that gives access to services of prevention of addiction, support, awareness, guidance, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
The platform seeks to develop a vigilant and responsible community and to furnish a safe, drug-free environment, notably by accommodating recovering addicts who have experienced addiction and who require support and motivation so that they could pursue the path to recovery and avoid relapse.
The platform enables the users to communicate directly with specialists via the toll-free consultation number “1110” that operates in complete confidentiality.
The platform provides psychological and social support via the instant chat website www.hayah.om. It features a host of awareness services, educational articles and live visual and audio materials about real-life experiences that would help motivate recovering addicts.