ID: HR19-1001

Presenting author: Ricardo Fuertes

Presenting author biography:

Advisor of Lisbon City Council for LGBTI issues, drug use, sex work and HIV. Previously worked in a Drug Consumption Room and as a peer counsellor in HIV projects for Men Who Have Sex With Men. Director of IN-Mouraria- harm reduction centre (2012-2017).

Drug Consumption Rooms in Lisbon- Implementation Process

Ricardo Fuertes, Elsa Belo, Américo Nave, Adriana Curado, Joana Tavares, Célia Tereso

Issue
Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) are included in the Portuguese legislation since 2001, however this intervention was never implemented. In 2015 Regional Health Authorities indicated the need to create pilot DCRs in Lisbon. After this recommendation, Lisbon City Council initiated a participatory process that led to three local diagnosis and capacity building, in partnership with 4 NGOs, in order to prepare the implementation of two fixed-locations and one mobile DCR.
Setting/Project
Between September 2017 - January 2018, three local community assessments were conducted in the areas identified as in need for DCRs, by HR NGO’s. Data collection included client surveys, project records, field visits, consultation of local stakeholders and residents. National Drugs Agency (SICAD), Regional Health Authority (DICAD), others NGOs, and police were involved in several stages of the process. The objectives were to characterize the territories, identify locations for implementation, assess needs, and involve the local community. Capacity building activities were undertaken.
Outcomes
Characteristics of each territory were identified.
The main characteristics of people who use drugs (PWUD) were also identified: aging population, social exclusion, daily/regular cocaine/heroin users, reporting drug use in public places, without hygiene or safety. This population presented high prevalence of HCV, HIV, HBV, and low rates of treatment, low access and use of conventional services.
PWUD reported a high willingness to use a DCR and a clear preference for an integrated model.
Regarding local partners, a process of involvement was initiated. In the interviews and questionnaires residents showed concern about the impact of the visibility of drug use.
The process of implementing a DCR must involve all relevant stakeholders, including PWUD and residents. Such process brings different perspectives and provides opportunities to adapt the intervention.
Following the diagnosis, there was a consensus among stakeholders for the implementation of DCRs.