Anti‑Addiction Fund: Women Represented 4% of 2025 Hotline Calls
Tens of thousands reached out for addiction-related services as part of national efforts to curb drug abuse.
Over 60,000 individuals contacted Egypt’s national addiction hotline, 16023, during the first five months of 2025 to seek support and access treatment-related services. A total of 60,425 people reached out for help, including 8,901 residents of redeveloped areas that had replaced informal settlements.
The vast majority of those seeking assistance were men, representing 96% of callers, while women accounted for 4%. Callers were either referred to or received care through a network of 34 treatment centres spread across 19 governorates. These centres are either directly affiliated with or partnered with the national hotline.
Cairo accounted for the largest share of calls at 27%, followed by Giza at 18%. This distribution has been linked to the high population density in both governorates as well as the availability of multiple treatment facilities.
Most callers became aware of the hotline through the internet, underscoring the impact of digital outreach campaigns. The Fund’s Facebook page, which has nearly two million followers, was cited as a major driver of awareness, alongside other digital platforms. Television and news websites were also noted as key sources of public knowledge about the hotline and the addiction support services it provides.
