Sri Lanka: UNODC advances drug treatment initiatives with trainings on ‘Strong Families’ and ‘Treatnet’ programs

Colombo, Sri Lanka/15 December 2023: The 2023 World Drug Report underscores the significant unmet demand for treating drug-related disorders, persisting disparities in access, and gender-specific barriers. Globally, just one in five individuals with drug use disorders received treatment in 2021, revealing considerable variations in both regional distribution and the quality of treatment. Notably, women face formidable hurdles in accessing drug treatment services, with only 27 percent of those in treatment being women, despite 45 percent of recent amphetamine-type stimulant users being female.

Addressing the complex challenge of drug use disorders requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach--a reality evident not only in Sri Lanka but in various parts of the world. Strengthening the capacities and knowledge of practitioners essential treatment skills is crucial in this context. These skills are instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of interventions, spanning from early screening to the coordination of long-term care.

Building on this approach, UNODC engaged and trained 25 local experts from Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara on the flagship ‘Strong Families’ program, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering communities.  The Strong Families Programme is a family skills prevention programme created for families living in challenged settings and seeks to reduce the incidence of drug use and harmful behaviors among young people.

With support from the Government of Japan, the trainings will be followed up by cascading sessions to disseminate valuable knowledge across the region, fostering a collaborative approach to building stronger families.

In parallel, UNODC's commitment to addressing psychosocial treatment for drug use disorders took a significant leap forward with the Treatnet Volume B Training of Trainers in Colombo. Twenty-two (22) experts from government and civil society were equipped with the necessary tools to implement psychosocial treatment interventions effectively. The training, designed to enhance local capacity, is a crucial step in expanding the reach of sustainable solutions.

Cascading trainings are now in the pipeline, ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired during the Treatnet program are disseminated widely, enabling a broader impact across Sri Lanka.

UNODC also recently hosted an Expert Group Meeting in Sri Lanka with 28 experts, delving into comprehensive drug data management and shedding light on emerging challenges, particularly the methamphetamine issue in the country. Participants emphasised the need for data-driven strategies to address evolving drug trends effectively.

Fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, UNODC's efforts contribute to building resilient communities and strengthening the collective response to the complex challenges posed by drug use disorders in Sri Lanka and beyond.

The activity contributed to SDG 3, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/ 

(Supported by the Government of Japan and RB23 Funding)