UNODC Supports Monitoring and Evaluation Leading to More Effective School and Community-Based Drug Prevention in Iran
Tehran, 9 September 2014 The Islamic Republic of Iran has established many successful programmes related to drug prevention, treatment and care. Hundreds of thousands of people have been reported to have benefited from out-reach programmes and Drop-In Centers as well as other innovative initiatives. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have been actively involved in programme implementation and direct service delivery. The Iranian Government has identified "a community-based approach to drug control" as a top Government priority. Evidence-based drug prevention programmes are key components of successful medium/long-term drug control strategies. UNODC Iran drug prevention programmes, in close cooperation with the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) of Iran, address all forms of drug abuse (e.g. Amphetamine-Type Stimulants, Cannabis and Opiates). The programmes provide services to different walks of life: families, educational settings, high-risk groups, prisons, and the workplace, with special emphasis on "at risk" youth exposed to drugs. 
Right to Left: Prof. Faggiano, Mr. Boonwaat, Mr. Vahabzadeh, and Mr. Taherinakhost
At the Training Workshop and Expert Panel on Monitoring and Evaluation of Drug Prevention Programmes held in Tehran from 8 to 10 September, Mr. Vahabzadeh, the Director of the Prevention and Cultural Affairs Office of the DCHQ , stated that the Iranian Government has been actively supporting drug prevention and has a sizable budget to deal with the issue. However, the lack of data has prevented the evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention programmes, he pointed out. He welcomed and appreciated UNODC's efforts to cooperate with DCHQ in jointly conducting a training workshop and expert panel on the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of school and community-based drug prevention programmes.
Mr. Leik Boonwaat, UNODC Representative to the Islamic Republic of Iran, said that evidence-based approaches are the most effective method in preventing adolescent substance use and abuse. He added that M&E in drug use prevention is essential to ensuring effectiveness and efficiency.
Professor Fabizio Faggiano, UNODC International Senior Consultant on M&E of Drug Use Prevention Programmes, came from Italy to Iran to exchange experiences and lessons learnt.Professor Faggiano had helped to build the indicators for evaluation of drug use prevention programme in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2009 and 2010.
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