Cambodia’s experience: Government and NGOs working together to shift compulsory to community based drug treatment amongst people who use drugs

Choub Sok Chamreun, Heng Kiry, Sau Kessana, Phorng Chanthorn, Wieten Carlijn, Sovannary Tuot

Issue-
Cambodia’s anti-drugs campaign (war on drugs) started in late 2016 and continues till today. Thousands of people who use drugs (PWUD) have already been arrested and detained in correctional centers or compulsory drug treatment centers owned by the government. Many of them are suffering from severe health issues and need health treatment include daily Methadone Maintenance Therapy. Others remain hidden and have limited access to harm reduction and voluntary drug treatment services.
Setting-
The campaign implements in nationwide. Phnom Penh is the major city where the number of people who injecting drugs (PWID) congregated. In 2017, the HIV prevalence among PWID was 20.6%.
Project-
With the financial and technical support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), KHANA worked in close collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA), National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veteran and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSAVY), the Police Commissioner of Phnom Penh and Community Based Organization to ensure that arrested PWUD continue to receive their required health treatment and services. These joint efforts changed the attitude of the law enforcement and more local authority and family become involved in public awareness, sensitization meeting, and refer PWUD to community based drugs treatment center.
Outcomes-
With this approach, KHANA and community based organization helped more than hundred drug users to get out of the compulsory drug treatment centers and access health services in hospitals and centers nearby their homes and families. Simultaneously, changed the compulsory nature of drug treatment to voluntary community-based drug treatment. This join collaboration is a necessity in addressing the health concerns of PWUD, providing a low-cost model and sustainable response.
Keyword-
People who use drugs, drugs campaign, community based drugs treatment, Cambodia