UNODC National Seminar on Treatment Quality Assurance for Drug Addiction Specialists in Turkmenistan

4-7 June 2019, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan -12drug addiction specialists, managers of narcology centers, representatives of the medical service of the penitentiary system, outreach and primary health workers of Turkmenistan came together to participate in the seminar on the quality assurance of treatment for drug addiction specialists. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme Office in Ashgabat as a part of the UNODC global project - Treatnet II.

The seminar aimed to improve knowledge and skills of participants in the application of international standards and allied quality assurance tools for drug treatment system and services for drug use disorders.

Ms. Annette Dale, UNODC international consultant, who contributed to development of two quality assurance tools on the global level,  referred to seminar participants to note that UNODC/WHO regards the development of quality standards on drug use disorders treatment services as necessary in order to evaluate that treatment is good practice based on science and ethical principles, and helps guarantee that drug dependent people receive services of same quality standards and opportunities that are provided by health systems for any other chronic diseases.    

In 2016, the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime and the World Health Organization (UNODC/WHO) launched the 'International Standards of Treatment of Drug Use Disorders' at the United Nations Special Assembly Session on Drugs (UNGASS) in New York, together with the approval of resolution 59/4 by the Commission of Narcotic Drugs. The overall aims of International Standards are to improve the quality and coverage of treatment for drug use disorders.  Resolution 59/4 called for the promotion and dissemination of International Standards for treatment of drug use disorders and urged UNODC to support a systematic process of national adaptation and the adoption of standards, providing guidance, assistance and training to health professionals on their use and developing standards and accreditation of services at the domestic level. 

The participants of the seminar increased their knowledge in best practices, discussed the possibility to use suggested international standards and quality assurance tools for drug treatment system. The seminar participants developed outcome recommendations to further enhance, development and implementation relevant strategic documents for treatment quality assurance, adaptation and piloting of selected standards on the local level.

The seminar became another illustration of UNODC comprehensive approach to facilitate Turkmenistan's efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring the accessibility of quality medical and social services.

For more information:

UNODC ROCA on Twitter

UNODC in Central Asia on Facebook