21-23 June 2023
From 21 to 23 June 2023, UNODC Serbia, jointly with the UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section, a training on quality assurance for drug use disorder treatment systems, in Belgrade, Serbia. This workshop, based on the drug use disorder treatment systems UNODC Quality Assurance toolkit, aimed to enhance the delivery of treatment and care in a public health framework, in line with the UNODC-WHO International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. With the support of the Serbian Ministry of Health, the training brought together 25 participants from various health sectors to jointly enhance the quality of drug treatment systems in the country.
In 2020, UNODC and WHO launched with the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (the Standards), a global reference document for quality, ethical, and voluntary treatment of drug use disorders. In line with this flagship publication, UNODC, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), convened several international technical consultations with experts from across the globe to develop tools that support the implementation of the Standards. Through this process, a UNODC Quality Assurance toolkit was developed and close to 600 professionals have been already trained by UNODC on different elements of the toolkit. The QA toolkit includes one module focused on the drug use disorder treatment service level and a second on drug use disorder treatment systems, which was the focus of the training in Belgrade.
The QA Systems toolkit provides a framework for national and local drug use disorder treatment systems to compare their existing approaches with the internationally recognized Standards. It aims to empower stakeholders to critically assess aspects of their drug treatment and care systems, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans for the advancement and further development of their treatment systems. As part of the workshop, stakeholders also review resources required to match the volume and type of treatment needed; thus, ultimately ensuring accessible, human-rights, and science-based drug use disorder treatment systems.
The UNODC quality assurance tools and the implementation thereof, are in line with relevant international policy documents, such as resolution 59/4 of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the “Development and dissemination of international standards for the treatment of drug use disorders” and the most recent CND resolution 64/3 that calls for “Promoting scientific evidence-based, quality, affordable and comprehensive drug prevention, treatment, sustained recovery and related support services”. The work of UNODC and WHO with Member States on quality for treatment of drug use disorders also corresponds to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 3.5 on Strengthening prevention and treatment of substance use, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol, as well as the UNGASS 2016 outcome document.
The QA systems training in Belgrade (Serbia) drew a diverse group of professionals responsible for decision making, planning, coordination, and delivery of drug use disorder treatment in Serbia. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Health, experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and dedicated health workers with a specialized focus on substance use disorders. Throughout the training, participants engaged in a comprehensive learning experience, delving into the principles and practices of quality drug treatment systems, aligned with the Standards. The training provided drug treatment professionals in Serbia with valuable insights and tools, equipping them to appraise the national system's performance against the Standards. Ms Danijela Nikolić, Monitoring Centre, Ministry of Health stated: “By enhancing participants’ capacity to evaluate and strengthen treatment systems, they become catalysts for positive change and to foster better outcomes for individuals suffering from drug use disorders. We will also use the impetus of this training and participants’ enthusiasm to develop evidence-based national standards, in line with international norms, through an inclusive process”.
Mr Aleksandar Medarević, Phd Social Medicine, National Institute for Public Health Belgrade held a presentation on the national data available on substance use disorder prevalence and available treatment services in the country. He stated: “The importance of data is undeniable in order to make informed decisions and appropriate resource allocations to ensure evidence-based, and effective drug treatment systems to support individuals on their path to recovery”.
The training marked a significant first step towards improving the treatment landscape in the country. Participants analysed the current structure of the system and how it can be enhanced. Mr Milutin Milošević, Executive Director of the Southeast European Drug Policy Network (DPNSEE) highlighted: “It is critical that we strengthen the base of the service organization pyramid, specifically outreach services in Serbia. We need to ensure the pyramid does not stand on glass feet but rather has a solid foundation of community care to motivate individuals who use drugs to engage with health care professionals sooner rather than later.”
By equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for assessing and enhancing treatment systems, UNODC aims to support Member States in fostering long-lasting improvements in the quality of care provided to individuals with drug use disorders. With the support of the Ministry of Health, Serbia, professionals from various health domains gathered to learn, collaborate, and enhance their capacity to deliver quality care. UNODC remains committed to supporting countries in their journey towards evidence-based and effective drug treatment systems, to ensure no one is left behind.
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