A four-day training workshop for service providers of Iranian Drop-in-Centres (DICs)
13-16 November 2016, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran
Sub-Programme 3 of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries on Prevention and Treatment of Addiction Among Vulnerable Groups, in collaboration with the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters, organized a four day training workshop on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions of drug treatment. In total, thirty staff members (doctors, psychologists, sociologist and outreach workers) of three drop-in centres (DICs) in Mashhad city participated. The objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the DIC staff to deliver qual
ity drug demand and harm reduction services. The main topics of the workshop were: communication and basic counselling skills, behavioral therapy, cognitive and motivational interventions, stimulant use management, harm reduction and peer education.
Currently, the UNODC Regional Programme is supporting three DICs in Mashhad city which are especially targeting Afghan refugees and their families which are facing drug use problems. Until now, 240 new and 60 relapsed Afghan refugees, who are clients of the DICs have received services at the 3 drop in centers in Mashhad city. Likewise, Methadone Maintenance Treatment was provided to 170 opioid drug users including 82 injecting drug users.
Moreover, 445 sessions on HIV prevention, 191 sessions on safer injection and 501 sessions of safe sex were organized for the Afghan refugees. Altogether, 463 Afghans refugees received social services (food and clean clothes), 147 received syringes (a total of 4,762 syringes) and 386 received condoms (a total of 3,945 condoms) at the DICs. Additionally, through the outreach team, 5,343 condoms and 13,923 syringes were distributed in shooting galleries and high risk areas among the refugees.
The training was supported by the generous contribution of the EU.