UNODC and WHO to provide drug treatment services in Iraq
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and World Health Organization (WHO) teamed up on a program that will tackle Iraq’s drug dependence and treatment.
During the program’s opening, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov issued a statement about how Iraq has become a shipment avenue and destination for illicit drugs that included heroin. It has increased fears in the country about drug-related problems such as dependence and abuse.
Drug users dealt with treatment services that were wide-ranging with regard to quality and distribution in the local area. This created a breach between what drug users’ needs and what was supposedly delivered by Iraqi health services, said Fedotov.
The assistance of UNODC and WHO was sought in order to put an end to it as well as to put effective measures in place to combat drug-related problems in the country and to help build facilities for treatment and rehabilitation.
Fedotov expressed being pleased that UNODC and WHO are working together to support the development of drug dependence treatment services in Iraq. He said the services are not only based on human rights but also founded on a principle of same standard of care for everyone, drug users or anybody needing medical assistance due to a condition or disease.
All treatment and services are said to be in line with the International Drug Conventions standards – modern, effective and efficient and will put emphasis on the welfare of drug use victims.
In his statement, Fedotov said he hopes that science-based services will continue the provision of assistance and support for Iraq for many years. He also commended all those involved in the project for their hard work and efforts.
UNODC and WHO experts, donors and government representatives are expected when the joint program holds its official opening ceremony on the 21st of May in Baghdad.