Strengthening of institutions and civil society organizations

 

Generation of knowledge

The Drug Prevention Programme contributes, along with the Colombian government, to the generation of substantial, timely and relevant information regarding the use of drugs in the country. The Programme does this through undertaking and supporting quantitative and qualitative studies and research, creating and strengthening of networks for the monitoring of local drug consumption and the systematization of successful experiences and best practices.

Complementing this work, UNODC supports the monitoring of indicators in local, regional and national programmes and projects that are currently being implemented through a virtual platform (spacio.gov.co) that is run by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The Programme supports the national government in the design, publication and distribution of guides, models and educational materials to enhance the programmes for the prevention, mitigation and provision of assistance for the reduction of drug consumption.

Impact on public policy

The Programme contributes to the development of the National Policy for the Reduction in the Consumption of Psychoactive Substances and its impact on how local and national authorities appropriate and implement programmes and projects that follow this policy in collaboration with civil society organizations.

In this manner the Programme has contributed to the consolidation of local inter-institutional drug consumption prevention teams: these involve 29 departmental committees created by legislation and 633 municipal committees.

Strengthening of civil society

The role that civil society plays in responding to the problem of drug consumption is recognized as extremely important. The Programme provides direct support to local initiatives that involve educational processes while also promoting collaborative networks and the exchange of knowledge.

Through a strategy that allows citizens to improve their capacities in exercise their rights, both collective and individual, in areas related to their health with an emphasis on reducing drug consumption, the Programme has promoted the citizen oversight and exercising of integrated rights to health services for people affected by the consumption of psychoactive substances, as well as for members of their support networks. The virtual platform www.siamisderechos.gov.co has been instrumental in the implementation of this strategy.