The Journey Begins
Imagine a world where drug prevention strategies are evidence-based and designed to create real impact. Driven by this vision, on 15 June 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented the preliminary results of the "RePS - Review of Prevention Systems" pilot to a meeting of national stakeholders in Norway.
The pilot, conducted between January and May 2023, engaged over 60 prevention providers and received active collaboration from KORUS (part of the Regional Competence Centers of Drugs and Alcohol) and the Ministry of Health and Care Services of Norway. The spirit of unity and collaboration became a driving force, with a view to lead to lasting change.
The RePS initiative aims to transform drug prevention efforts, ensuring that interventions are grounded in empirical evidence and delivered through effective partnerships with key stakeholders.
A Game-Changer in Drug Prevention
The primary purpose of RePS is to assess the level of alignment of a national drug use prevention system with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. It aims to identify effective prevention interventions and gather data on evidence-based practices, ultimately providing a basis for policy makers to enhance and strengthen prevention strategies.
The tool is undergoing a pilot test in Norway, and the preliminary results of this assessment were presented to national stakeholders for review and feedback.
Empowering Communities, Inspiring Transformation
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Health and Care Services in Norway and witnessed the participation of prominent representatives from various entities, including the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Health, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the Ministry of Children and Families, KORUS Oslo, and KORUSes from other regions. Participants recognized the potential impact of the findings on guiding future evidence-based prevention efforts and enhancing national drug prevention strategies. Through collaboration and determination Norway is setting an inspiring example for the world.
Unveiling Preliminary Results
During the national stakeholder meeting, UNODC presented real-life examples of the information that will be reported at the end of the pilot. These include an analysis of interventions implemented by the age group they target and their quality, nationally as well as regionally. Are they evidence-based? Are they evidence-informed? Are they non-evidence based? As the results are still preliminary, the picture provides a fictitious example. However, it clearly shows the potential for this analysis to indicate strengths and weaknesses in the coverage and quality.
The same analysis is done with regard to the quality of interventions in different settings (families, schools, communities, etc.) and to the level of risk (universal, selected, indicated). Moreover, all analysis will be further developed not only at national level, but also at regional level, thus becoming relevant for policy makers and practitioners at all levels in Norway.
In addition, the presentation highlighted some notable examples of interventions that are remarkable in different ways (a new target group, a new kind of delivery, etc.) and would warrant special attention in future efforts to improve the national prevention system. Finally, the analysis also drew attention to some particularly interesting models of delivery, as well as some important lessons learned in the collection and analysis of the data, which will be useful for the global adaptation of the tool.
Looking Ahead
With the initial phase completed, the journey continues. UNODC and KORUS Oslo are completing the analysis with a view to presenting the report to Norway during the last week of September. In addition to the analysis mentioned above, the report will also provide a review of the prevention system as a whole, looking at six dimensions (1. A range of interventions and policies based on evidence; 2. Supportive policy and regulatory frameworks; 3. Evidence-based planning and use of research; 4. Coordination amongst different sectors and levels; 5. Strong delivery system; and, 6. Sustainability).
It is hoped that such comprehensive understanding of the national prevention system of the country will serve as a strong basis on which to plan its improvement and expansion.
From National to Global Relevance
RePS embodies a collective effort towards a safer and healthier world for all, and reinforces UNODC's commitment to promoting evidence-based prevention that is effective in promoting the health and well-being of children, youth, individuals and communities.
The generous contribution of Norway has allowed UNODC not only to undertake the pilot in the country, but will also support the adaptation of the tool at the global level, making it accessible to the international community. This strategic decision signifies a remarkable milestone in the field of drug prevention efforts worldwide, as it promotes international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
By offering the RePS tool to countries and organizations globally, UNODC seeks to enhance the effectiveness and coordination of drug prevention strategies, fostering a collaborative approach to address the complex challenges posed by substance use on a global scale. Join us as we embark on this empowering journey together!
UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention
To learn more about KORUS's role in this initiative, please visit their work here
