Drugnet Europe is a monthly news round-up published by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Any item may be reproduced provided the source is acknowledged.
Issue 155: July 2022
28 JULY: #WorldHepatitisDay
World Hepatitis Day
Every year, on 28 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners commemorate World Hepatitis Day to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases it causes. Eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 is a target set under the UN Sustainable Development Goal on Health (SDG 3.3). The WHO focused this year on 'Bringing hepatitis care closer to you', while the World Hepatitis Alliance campaign message was ‘Hep can't wait!'. To mark the day, the EMCDDA showcased the hepatitis toolkit it has developed as part of a wider harm-reduction initiative to prevent and control infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (PWID).
Read more >>
EMCDDA toolkit to help European countries beat viral hepatitis
The EMCDDA's online toolkit is designed to help European countries meet health targets to eliminate viral hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common infectious disease among PWID, being easily transmitted through the sharing of needles and syringes. While HCV antibody prevalence in the EU general population is below 2%, studies conducted among PWID show it can exceed 50%, making this a key target group for programmes to eliminate the virus. Data collected from those entering drug treatment in Europe show HCV testing rates to be low in this group. Resources in the toolkit include, an interactive elimination barometer, a manual, a knowledge questionnaire and examples of innovative models of care that have increased access to HCV testing and treatment through drug services in some countries.
Toolkit >
INTERNATIONAL
EMCDDA becomes official partner of COPOLAD III
On 21 July, the EMCDDA became an official partner of COPOLAD III, a programme promoting dialogue and bi-regional cooperation on drug policy between the European Union and Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC). Funded by the EU, the programme is led by the International Ibero-American Foundation for Public Policies and Administrations (FIIAPP), in consortium with the Italian-Latin American International Organization (IILA). Collaborating in the programme with the EMCDDA is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ). The EMCDDA will run a range of activities supporting LAC countries, with a strong focus on data collection, evidence-based policies and research.
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UKRAINΕ
Ukraine: new trendspotter briefing
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, neighbouring EU countries have ensured a rapid humanitarian response, providing urgent support to meet the health and social needs of those fleeing the country. In a new briefing published on 18 July, the EMCDDA looks at how these countries are responding to the needs of displaced persons who use drugs and how they can be better prepared for the future. The briefing is the latest in a series of EMCDDA ‘trendspotter’ studies aimed at examining emerging drug-related trends.
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Ukraine: health preparedness hub
This month, the EMCDDA published an online health preparedness hub for Ukraine. The webpage offers a range of resources for health professionals who provide services for people displaced from Ukraine to the European Union or other European Neighbourhood Area countries and for Ukrainians displaced within the country.
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European Prevention Curriculum handbook in Ukrainian
A Ukrainian version of the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) handbook, adapted for the local context, was launched on 1 July in Kyiv at an event organised by the NGO, Geopolitical Alliance of Women, at the Ukrainian national news company, Ukrinform. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Science, and by health and prevention professionals who were involved in, or supported, the adaptation of the handbook. Participants reflected on the value of the EUPC handbook for Ukraine and exchanged ideas on how it could be used by specialists and stakeholders in their activities. The EUPC is designed to train professionals involved in shaping prevention decisions and policies in Europe in the science-based prevention of substance use.
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WEB SURVEYS
European Web Survey on Drugs: new factsheets available
The European Web Survey on Drugs collected data during March and May 2021 from people who use drugs (aged 18 or older), living in the 21 EU and 9 non-EU countries participating in the project. A number of factsheets with findings from the countries were published in 2021 (21 EU + CH; Western Balkans). The latest factsheets published this month are from Georgia, Lebanon and Ukraine.
Read more >> Georgia | Lebanon | Ukraine
Innovative online survey of cannabis growers
Key findings were released this month of an innovative online survey of cannabis growers in Europe, Australia and North America. The results cover cannabis cultivation, policy insights and methodological lessons learned. The publication is one of eight EMCDDA Insights papers on the theme: 'Monitoring drug use in the digital age: studies in web surveys'. The collection of papers is the first step by the agency to review the advantages and methodological limitations of web surveys and their potential in supporting policymaking and research.
Read more >> | Paper >>
NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE
New legislation published on 3-MMC and 3-CMC
On 29 July, Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2022/1326 of 18 March 2022 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union controlling two new psychoactive substances: 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) and 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC). The legislation will enter into force on 18 August (20 days after publication). EU Member States are now required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 18 February 2023 at the latest. The two substances were risk-assessed by the EMCDDA in November 2021.
Read more (March 2022) >> | Official Journal (OJ L 200, 29.7.2022).
EMCDDA4GEORGIA
EMCDDA training for Georgian drug treatment professionals
From 4–8 July, Georgian professionals received online training from the EMCDDA on drug treatment interventions. Based on pre-assessed local needs and aligned with EU quality standards, the course focused on responses to specific drugs and patterns of use. It consisted of six modules: action framework for developing health and social responses to drug problems, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, polydrug use and the implementation of quality standards for drug services. The event took place under the technical cooperation project EMCDDA4Georgia (EMCDDA4GE).
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LISBON ADDICTIONS 2022
Have you registered yet?
The #LxAddictions organisers are delighted to announce that over 1 000 people have now registered for the conference. The regular fee rate of EUR 550 will end on 31 July. Don’t miss this chance to take your place at Europe's largest conference on addictions!
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Lisbon Addictions 2022 news update
The latest #LxAddictions newsletter has just been published, featuring everything you need to know about the programme outline, latest keynote speakers, side events and more!
Read more >> | Subscriptions >>
RECRUITMENT
We're hiring!
The EMCDDA is looking to recruit a new Head of sector for Human resources management. The successful candidate will be required to support the implementation of the newly adopted EMCDDA business model and contribute to the further development of the agency's HR Sector. The closing date for applications is 02.09.2022.
Read more >>
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