A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the City of Niš was signed on 3 June 2026 at the Special Psychiatric Hospital “Gornja Toponica”.

The Memorandum was signed with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the field of drug abuse prevention, supporting treatment and rehabilitation programmes, as well as strengthening activities aimed at preserving public health and the safety of citizens.

The City of Niš has established the Council for Combating Addiction Diseases of the Niš Region as an important mechanism for coordinating activities and fostering cooperation among all relevant institutions and organizations engaged in the prevention, treatment, and suppression of addiction diseases. On the same day, the second meeting of the Council was held, which was also attended by representatives of the Office for Combating Drugs. During the meeting, current issues and opportunities for improving interinstitutional cooperation in the field of combating drug abuse and addiction diseases were discussed.

Following the meeting, participants visited the Special Psychiatric Hospital “Gornja Toponica”, where they became acquainted with the institution’s work, capacities, as well as its treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

After the visit to the hospital, the Memorandum of Cooperation was formally signed, creating conditions for more intensive cooperation between institutions at both local and national levels through joint planning and implementation of activities in the field of addressing drug-related issues.

Following the signing ceremony, participants discussed opportunities for further strengthening cooperation and implementing joint activities that will contribute to a more effective response to the problem of drug abuse, as well as to strengthening the support system for individuals facing this challenge.