Fresh Approach: Drug Commissioner Streeck Steps Up Collaboration with Federal Ministries
Enhanced Collaboration with Federal Government Departments - Commissioner Streeck to Collaborate Closely with Federal Ministries in Drug-Related Matters
In his new role, Dr. Hendrik Streeck, a well-known German physician, virologist, and CDU member of the Bundestag, is embracing the challenging yet inspiring task of "connecting the dots" between various federal ministries, having been appointed last week by the cabinet on the recommendation of Nina Warken. The 56-year-old expert finds it deeply rewarding to consider the diverse groups and regional interests at play.
However, instead of advocating for punitive measures like banning mobile phones in schools to combat digital addiction, Streeck stresses the importance of education and promoting health literacy. Indeed, he believes that nearly one-quarter of children in Germany struggle with social media and other digital media. While these tools can be enjoyable and vital for future work, it's crucial to learn when digital usage becomes excessive.
- Hendrik Streeck
- Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues
- CDU
- Health and Preventive Measures
- Nina Warken
- Education and Health Literacy
- Federal Ministry of Health
- Federal Cabinet
- Bundestag
Dr. Streeck built his reputation as a trusted expert and advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a seat on the Bundestag's Health Committee. In May 2025, he was officially appointed as the Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues, which places him within the remit of the Federal Ministry of Health. As part of his mandate, Streeck is expected to drive policy changes to unify addiction and treatment strategies within Germany's complex healthcare system.
Streeck focuses on promoting health literacy and preventive strategies among youth, with concerns that increasingly extend to digital addiction. While primarily focused on addiction and drug policy, his approach aims to safeguard young people against various forms of addiction, including digital addiction, by integrating federal government policy with the engagement of federal ministries under the Federal Ministry of Health.
In this multifaceted role, Dr. Streeck serves as a crucial mediator between ministries and a champion for addressing addiction, drug-related challenges, and health literacy concerns. His approach combines pragmatic policy reorientation with a focus on education, prevention, and regional interests.
- Dr. Hendrik Streeck, in his role as the Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues, is advocating for a comprehensive approach to address addiction issues, emphasizing education and health literacy, particularly concerning digital addiction.
- In line with his mandate, Dr. Streeck is working towards unifying addiction and treatment strategies within the complex healthcare system by integrating federal government policy with the engagement of federal ministries under the Federal Ministry of Health.
