Set up in June 1994, sedqa offers health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services to persons with drug, alcohol, and/or gambling problems, and to their families. The Agency also carries out research and houses a documentation centre.

As the National Agency, sedqa is made up of three divisions, namely Care, Prevention and Corporate Service Divisions. Each of the said divisions contributes in a specific manner to the issue of substance abuse.

Mission Statement

"To plan and recommend developments and updates of the National Policy in the field of drug and alcohol abuse, and to provide service in health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to persons with drug and/or alcohol problems, and to their families, so as to help them live a stable life and to integrate better in the society."

Background Information

The word sedqa has been derived from the phrase of the national Maltese anthem - seddaq il-ghaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem. Sedqa is a national executive and non-profit making agency that is funded by Government and works in the field of drug and alcohol addictions. It is accountable to the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) and its remit covers the provision of care, prevention and research services with regard to drugs and alcohol abuse.

Prior to 1993, there existed several services in the field of drug and alcohol abuse, but these were functioning in an uncoordinated manner. In attempt to address the problems arising from this situation, a working committee was set up to evaluate existing services, identify areas that need further attention and forward recommendations. By August 1993, the working committee presented the Meli Report, recommending a reform in the sector. This change had to include the setting up of an executive co-ordinating agency to provide services within the specific field.

In January 1994, a National co-ordinating body was set up to forward proposals for the reform mentioned in the Meli Report. By April 1994 and after consultation with various foreign bodies in related fields, a final document of what measures could be taken, was presented to the Minister for Home Affairs and Social Development. Following that, sedqa, the National Agency Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, was officially set up on the 26th June 1994. Incidentally, the 26th June is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Agency is led by an Operations Director, a Clinical Director, 2 Managers and a Division Coordinator, who monitor the day-to-day running of each main division. Sedqa is composed of two main pillars - the Primary Prevention and the Care Services. However, these are continuously supported by the Corporate Services of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, incorporating administration and personnel, information and communication technology, training, human resources, marketing and communications, resource centre, and research and evaluation.