Sri Lanka: UNODC empowers health practitioners with essential treatment skills in drug use disorders

Colombo and Jaffna, Sri Lanka/24 November 2023: The World Drug Report 2023 emphasises that the demand for treating drug-related disorders remains largely unmet and disparities in access persist. Globally, about one in five people with drug use disorders received treatment in 2021, with large disparities across regions and in the type and quality of treatment received. Women face, in particular, significant barriers in accessing drug treatment services: in 2021, 45 per cent of those who used amphetamine-type stimulants in the past year were women, but only 27 per cent of those in treatment are women.

Strengthening the capacities and knowledge of practitioners to address drug use disorders is crucial. In Sri Lanka, as in many parts of the world, drug use disorders present a multifaceted challenge requiring a nuanced and comprehensive approach. Essential treatment skills play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of interventions, ranging from early screening to long-term care coordination.

Building on this approach, UNODC recently conducted two trainings on Treatnet Volume A in Sri Lanka--with support of the Government of Japan--for 45 practitioners from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Ministry of Health, Department of Community Correction Service, Bureau of Commissioner General for Rehabilitation and civil society.

Using a multiplier strategy (train-the-trainers), the trainings focused on essential treatment skills for drug use disorders--including basics of addiction, screening, brief intervention, assessment and treatment and care coordination.

The trainings prioritized inclusive learning, deploying real-time interpretation services and bilingual training tools to overcome language barriers. By providing tools for understanding addiction basics and implementing evidence-based interventions, the initiative contributed to building a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.

In addition, 30 facilitators from Sri Lanka's National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and civil society engaged with global trainers at a hybrid mentoring session focused on "Strong Families." This session facilitated the sharing of good practices and involved crafting impactful workplans to strengthen drug use prevention in communities.

The hybrid nature of the session, blending in-person and virtual elements, allowed dynamic interactions between local facilitators and global trainers. Real-time interpretation services and trilingual tools were employed, showcasing a commitment to breaking down communication barriers. Harnessing global expertise and local insights, this mentoring session aimed to create a synergetic approach for greater impact.

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)