Program includes training, launch of publications and the EvidenciaViva platform
Brasilia, August 28, 2024 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), the European Drug Agency (EUDA) and the Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union on Drug Policy (COPOLAD) coordinate a series of events to strengthen prevention actions in the field of drug policy in Brazil and Latin America, with a focus on evidence. Among them is the training of the Brazilian Adaptation of the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC-Brazil), which began on August 27 in Brasilia and is aimed at decision-makers, opinion formers and public policy makers from 11 Brazilian states.
The National Secretary for Drug Policy and Asset Management, Marta Machado, stressed the importance of building a policy based on monitoring and evaluating indicators. According to her, the training of state and municipal authorities who are directly involved in carrying out the activities is a fundamental point.
“This is an opportunity for many exchanges, in which we can move forward in creating a critical mass around prevention in Brazil, so that the policy gains more and more sustainability and that these actions last and make a difference in this field,” she said.
The motto of the UNODC campaign for this year's World Drug Day, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, stressed that it is essential to adopt an approach based on scientific evidence that prioritizes prevention and care.
In this sense, and within the framework of the project to support the National System for the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Use (SINAP), the result of a partnership among UNODC, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the National Secretariat for Drug Policy and Asset Management of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (SENAD/MJSP, acronym in Portuguese), UNODC supported the adaptation of the EUDA's “European Prevention Curriculum” to the technical and cultural specificities of Brazil, which demonstrates the importance of international cooperation.
Monitoring manual - Guiding Prevention
During the event, the document “Guiding Prevention - A Monitoring Manual for Prevention Managers in the Field of Alcohol and Other Drugs within the SINAP Project” was launched. The manual provides practical guidelines to support managers in managing prevention strategies in Brazil.
Both the adaptation of the EUPC-Brazil and the Manual are part of the CRIA Program - Prevention and Citizenship, launched in June this year by Senad. “Guiando a Prevenção” (Guiding Prevention) is aimed at the federal units that are MJSP partners in implementing CRIA methodologies.
According to Elena Abbati, the global drug problem is a multifaceted challenge that affects millions of lives and communities suffering from trafficking and organized crime. “The participation of authorities is vital for strengthening prevention policies in their territories,” said the country director of UNODC Brazil.”
