Colombo Plan launches guidebook on drug programme

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP) launched a guidebook on 'Drug Outreach Programme in Asia - Concepts and Lessons Learnt'.

In the field of drug demand reduction there are many publications addressing the drug abuse problem but few address the establishment and operation of outreach activities. There is a paucity of such publications.

'Drug Outreach Programme in Asia - Concepts and Lessons Learnt' was launched by Colombo Plan Secretariat Secretary-General Patricia Yoon-Moon Chia, recently in Philippines, in conjunction with the Third Asian Recovery Symposium.

This book addresses the issue of how to operate an Colombo Plan Outreach Drop-In Centre (ODIC) and shares the best practices based on the operation of ODICs.

The launch of this book signifies CPDAP's continuing commitment in the field of drug demand reduction. The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme has achieved many feats during the 35 years since its establishment in 1973. CPDAP has documented its experience in the establishment and operation of Outreach drop-in Centres in the Asia Pacific region in this book.

The ODIC is a regional project started by CPDAP in 2005, in direct response to the needs and challenges of the region.

The CPDAP has established seven ODICs in Afghanistan, Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines. The objectives of the CPDAP's project are to implement early intervention and effective aftercare services for recovering persons as well as provide low-cost intervention programmes such as home-based treatment, to hard-to-reach segments of society, including women and children. One important feature of ODIC is its community-based support in demand reduction activities. Cognizant of the difficulties faced by member countries where there is limited access to treatment services for drug dependents, particularly to marginalised population, and the high costs of residential treatment. ODICs are able to fill these gaps in drug demand reduction.

With this guidebook, the CPDAP strives to assist organisations in streamlining their treatment activities and also to address the issue of lack of support from family and community for recovering persons, due to social stigma.

It serves to assist treatment provides with a clear understanding of the concepts, best practices and lessons learnt in the establishment and implementation of ODICs, which supplement on-going treatment and aftercare efforts in the region.