This week, we say goodbye to our dear friend and mentor, Jeff Lee, the founding Executive Director of ISSUP. Jeff was a steadfast advocate for the professionalization of prevention, insisting that those working in this field should be appropriately specialized. He often reminded us that while generalists and treatment specialists are well-meaning and deeply embedded within their communities, they are not always best placed to develop and implement evidence-based prevention systems. Jeff emphasized that prevention must be treated as a distinct science—one that is grounded in rigorous research...

The African Union Commission (AUC) has held an annual continental consultation for Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) since 2015.  AUC member states are each represented by their respective DDR national focal points, allowing member states an opportunity to present national DDR activities in a peer-review platform that also allows engagement with invited subject matter experts.  This year’s consultation was held in Arusha, Tanzania from 10-13 December 2024, and included Traditional Leaders from Southern Africa. The theme for this year’s consultation was “Prevention is better than Cure: Towards...

Don't miss our latest newsletter for details of recent meetings and activities in Latin America and Africa. This issue also includes information on how to gain advanced clinical skills with the UTC16 Self Led Course.

Read it here: Issue 182

With support from IDPC - Support Don’t Punish, ISSUP The Gambia celebrated World Drug Day 2024. The theme for World Drug Day 2024 was "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention". The event focused on harm reduction.

The Executive Director of ISSUP The Gambia chapter, Alasana Drammeh, stated that today's workshop aimed to encourage youth participation, allowing them to actively engage in discussions on these important topics.

Mr. Drammeh emphasized that drug use should be treated as a health issue, stressing the need to treat drug users with dignity. He underscored that sustainable...