14 March 2016 -On the side-lines of the 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Scientists today launched a second Scientific Statement - Science addressing Drugs and HIV: State of the Artin collaboration with the UNODC HIV Section.
The side event was co-chaired by Kristian Ødegaard from the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations in Vienna and Aldo Lale-Demoz, Deputy Executive Director, Director of Division for Operations and Global Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, UNODC.
"The role of science in the development of a balanced health oriented drug policy is critical," said Mr Ødegaard.
The paper is an outcome of a two-day UNODC scientific consultation on the latest developments in the field of HIV and drug use held in Vienna 10 - 11 March.
Four of the scientists made presentations on three thematic areas. Dr. Clemens Benedikt, Technical Specialist, Global HIV/AIDS Programme, World Bank, made a presentation on Allocative And Implementation Efficiency of HIV Prevention and Treatment for People who Inject Drugs.
Prof. Don Des Jarlais, Professor of Psychiatry and Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai presented on HIV and Stimulant Drugs.
In their joint presentation, Dr. Steve Shoptaw, Director, Centre for Behavioural and Addiction Medicine, University of California and Dr. Kanna Hayashi, Research Scientist, Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS presented on the Role of Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care for People who Inject Drugs.
Today's event was a follow up of the First Scientific Consultation, which took place on 11 March 2014, on the side-lines of the High Level Review of the 57th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
"The new statement, builds on the 2014 statement and brings critical information that should assist the member states in their preparations towards UN General Assembly on the World Drug Problem in 2016,"said Mr Lale-Demoz.
Download the 2016 Scientific Statement
Download the 2014 Scientific Statement