The awaited day has arrived, introducing the latest findings of an innovative tool in the ongoing global efforts in making drug prevention truly effective in supporting the health and wellbeing of children, youth and communities. On September 28, Norway hosted the presentation of the final results of the pilot of the Review of Prevention Systems (RePS) in the country. The pilot was undertaken by UNODC, in collaboration with KORUS Oslo and the KORUS network of competence centers, supported by Ministry of Health and Care Services of Norway. Ms. Giovanna Campello, Chief, UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section formally handed the report to Ellen Rønning-Arnesen, State Secretary, Ministry of Health and Care Services of Norway.
From Evidence to Action
The ceremony, featuring 50 participants in the audience and online, highlighted the diverse perspectives that are at the basis of the comprehensive approach of this tool, the collection and analysis of data and the importance of assessing and improving national drug prevention systems for the health and wellbeing of people. The comprehensive analysis of the prevention system, ranging from evidence-based interventions to regulatory frameworks, from coordination mechanisms to the workforce and research, promotes the use of RePS for continuous improvement. Preliminary results suggest areas of strength and potential avenues for growth, providing a clear roadmap for the future development of prevention in a country. In this context, the Review of Prevention Systems (RePS) has completed its first pilot with remarkable results.
Noteworthy Contributions
The pilot in Norway would not have been possible without the active collaboration of a significant number of national stakeholders in Norway. Firstly, all the practitioners that provided their time and energy to avail information about their interventions and programmes. The data collection was coordinated and supported by KORUS , a network of Regional Competence Centers on Drugs and Alcohol. The Centers contacted and mobilized respondents, highlighting the value of the exercise, allaying any concerns and providing clarification and support. In addition, KORUS Oslo was a key partner in the undertaking of the assessment together with UNODC. Apart from translating and piloting one of the two questionnaires, it built the online tool for respondent to provide the information electronically categorised the interventions and validated the assessment, including by providing and finding additional information. Finally, the process would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of Health and Care Services of Norway. As such, the report, which is presently undergoing formal editing, is truly the result of a partnership of UNODC with Norway and for Norway.
A Global Call for Cooperation
However, and thanks again to the support of the Government of Norway, the reach of RePS will go beyond Norway. It will be truly of global significance. Following the pilot in Norway, the international community is invited to join in using this powerful tool to strengthen drug prevention responses and systems worldwide. UNODC will now initiate a process of adaptation at the global level to avail the tool to all Member States. By offering the RePS tool globally, UNODC aims to optimize and capitalize on existing prevention resources. This will also enhance the effectiveness of drug prevention strategies and strengthen the coordination between the agents of response while promoting a collaborative approach to address the complex challenges posed by substance use. RePS is not just a prevention tool; it is a call to global action.
Additional Resources
UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention
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To learn more about KORUS's role in this initiative, please visit their work here
