Overview

The Challenge:

There remains significant scope for reforming drug legislation and improving policies on drug use in Southeast Asia. UNODC works to increase the quality of drug treatment services, with a particular focus on promoting the use of voluntary, community-based drug treatment approaches. In line with the UNGASS 2016 outcome document, action plans to adapt and implement evidence-based approaches to drug treatment and services were approved by the six countries participating through the Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Mekong Sub-Region.

What we do:

UNODC focuses on assisting Member States in conjunction with regional and national level partners including other UN agencies, particularly the WHO. UNODC has developed a training package on Community-based Services for People Who Use Drugs in Southeast Asia and has begun training healthcare personnel in the region. These materials are now available in Chinese, Burmese, Khmer, Laotian, Thai and Vietnamese. To find out more about these materials please contact the relevant health staff listed below.

1. Develop and promote models for evidence-based policies and related legislation and policy;
2. Develop and adapt standards, tools and guidelines on best practice interventions;
3. Enhance networks and related capacity to train practitioners; and
4. Strengthen networks and related capabilities to research and evaluate drug use disorders and subsequent responses.

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