• 'Addiction is not just a local problem; it is a global issue. No single country can address it alone'

ANTALYA, Türkiye

Mehmet Dinc, President of the anti-addiction organization Turkish Green Crescent, also known as Yesilay, stated Friday that the foundation serves as a "global role model" in the fight against addiction, emphasizing the importance of pursuing this struggle on an international scale.

“Addiction intersects closely with forensic science, as it is often linked to crime either as a cause or a consequence,” he said, emphasizing the growing relevance of the issue within forensic studies.

Speaking to Anadolu on Friday, during the fifth day of the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days taking place at the Justice Strengthening Foundation’s Antalya Education and Social Facility, Dinc underscored Yesilay’s extensive efforts in combating addiction.

He highlighted Yesilay’s collaboration with forensic experts, which he said helps the public better understand addiction through real-life case studies.

'Yesilay has become a global role model in the fight against addiction'

Dinc stressed the importance of joint scientific research, case studies, and the use of forensic statistics to guide policy development. “Yesilay and the Forensic Medicine Institution will work together to strengthen our efforts in this field,” he said.

Highlighting the role of the International Federation of Green Crescent, Dinc noted: “Yesilay has become a global role model in the fight against addiction. We are currently active in 65 countries and aim to expand further.”

He added that the organization’s branches not only operate within their respective countries but also engage with international organizations and provide consultancy services to support the development of global addiction policies.

Türkiye currently hosts the general secretariat of the International Yesilay Federation in Istanbul, where representatives from all 65 countries gather annually to coordinate joint strategies and actions.

“Addiction is not just a local problem; it is a global issue. No single country can address it alone, which is why we place great importance on carrying out this struggle on a global scale,” he said.

'We want Istanbul to be the center of the global addiction fight'

Dinc stressed the need for countries to share experiences, challenges, and solutions in the battle against addiction. With 105 years of experience, he pointed out, Yesilay stands as one of the world’s leading organizations in the field.

“Just as cities like New York and Vienna are central to the UN and the World Health Organization, we want Istanbul to be the center of the global addiction fight. With the International Yesilay Federation, we hope to achieve this,” Dinc said.

He concluded by underlining Yesilay’s unique position, stating that the organization transfers its knowledge, experience, and expertise through a model that has no equivalent worldwide.