Mohammad Tariq Sonnan

Sonnan, the UNODC Regional ProgrammeCoordinator for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care in the Middle East and North Africa, is a seasoned Medical Professional and Public Health Specialist with over two decades of comprehensive expertise across various healthcare domains.

His vast experience encompasses internal medicine, as well as the oversight and execution of public health programs and initiatives aimed at addressing critical areas such as drug addiction, HIV, viral hepatitis, vaccine-preventable illnesses, STIs, Tuberculosis, and Nutrition.

Since 2013, he has held the position of UNODC Programme Coordinator for the MENA region, based in Egypt, focusing his efforts on the holistic implementation of all UNODC health mandates throughout the region.

His approach prioritizes people-centered, inclusive, and human rights-based strategies to ensure equitable access to health services for all.

During his tenure, Mr. Sonnan has masterminded, supervised, and led the groundbreaking implementation of a pioneering prison project focused on the prevention, treatment, and care of HIV and other communicable diseases. This pioneering project has been executed in countries including Egypt, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tunisia.

Furthermore, Mr. Sonnan has instrumentally supported implementing evidence-based drug demand reduction and harm reduction services across the expansive Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A notable achievement in this regard has been his leadership in supporting the establishment of pilot Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) sites in Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, and Palestine. Moreover, he has worked diligently towards introducing similar Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) initiatives in Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia.