India: 'Let's develop our lives, our communities, our identities without drugs': Coming together to celebrate World Drug Day 

 

UNODC, ROSA commemorates the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 th June UNODC organized a series of events that highlighted the importance of involving members of the drug using community while addressing the problems illicit drugs pose to society.

On the eve of the occasion, in New Delhi, UNODC organized a soccer match between members of the drug using community and development partners. The nail biting match brought to the forefront the importance of teamwork and collaboration - where all stakeholders support each other's efforts and work together to reach the ultimate goal. Highlighting the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, the match echoed the theme of this year's commemorations: ' Let's develop our lives, our communities, our identities without drugs'.  At the match, eminent parliamentarian Mr. Oscar Fernandes interacted with both teams, and congratulated UNODC on bringing to the field important stakeholders who need to harmonize efforts to address drug abuse in the country. 

On 26 th June, UNODC supported NGO partner Dayspring who organized street plays across three locations in the city. The play titled Ramesh Ki Kahani traced the life of a drug user - from when he started using drugs, became a problem user, tested HIV positive and how he accessed treatment to address his drug use and other related health problems. The message of the play was well received specially by members of the community, many of whom face similar problems.

On the day, UNODC also organized a public event that brought together eminent dignitaries including parliamentarians, senior government representatives, members from the community, media, youth and development partners. At the event, the Office launched two publications titled Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use in India and Journeys of Change - The story of Methadone Maintenance Treatment in India. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use in India is a first-ever exploratory study conducted across five states in India. The study is a first-step towards developing a better understanding of ATS use, extent and trends in the

At the event, senior parliamentarians addressed the gathering and urged for a more holistic approach towards the problem. They called for more vigorous evidence generation on the issue and a coordinated response including inter-ministerial collaboration. The evening ended on a musical note with a performance by a youth band comprising of students from different schools across the city.  country. Journeys of Change - The story of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) in India documents the success of MMT in India.  

Through first person accounts from drug users, their families and service providers the book illustrates personal experiences of drug users on MMT. These publications form part of the larger research and advocacy initiatives led by UNODC with an aim to inform policy makers to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based and health-centric response to the problem of drug use in India.

Click here to read the full report:  Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use in India 

Click here to read the full report:  Journeys of Change - The story of Methadone Maintenance Treatment in India