FGN, UNODC, FHI 360, Launches Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and Standard of Operation Procedure (SOP), guidelines
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the United Nations Office for Drug and Crime (UNODC), World Health Organization (WHO), FHI 360, other related institutions and stakeholders came together on Tuesday for the launch of the Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), for People with Opioid Dependence in Nigeria.
Speaking the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Engr Adediyi Olufunso represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Andrew Noah emphasized the urgent need to address the adverse effects of the use of harmful substance in the country. He said that the launch of the document put together by the Federal Government will help in small way to facilitate and providing internationally accepted therapy of addicted persons and have positive impact on the economic and social outcomes for people who use drugs.
The Country Representative of UNODC, Dr Oliver Stope, represented by the Project Officer, (Drug Demand Reduction), Dr Akanidomo Ibanga who underscored the significance of the breakthrough in addressing the pressing issues surrounding the of drug use disorders in the country said noted that guidelines is people based and that the document will create a conducive atmosphere for interaction to roll out adequate medical care needed as a comprehensive treatment package will be developed to address the consequences the drug user faces.
The Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Secretary to the agency, Barr. Schedrack Haruna commended the parties involved for their support in developing the guidelines, said the agency remains committed in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and efforts have been intensified and operations, expanded intelligence network and collaborated with local and international partners to dismantle drug cartels, sized illicit drugs and brought the perpetrators to book.
He added that NDLEA is also helping in counseling, rehabilitation and ensuring that those affected by the use of drugs are given the necessary support and care they need to rebuild their lives.
Dr Bill Ebiti Nkereuwem, a Drug Therapy Expert, did a power point presentation of the the SOP, MAT documents before the unveiling.
The Nigeria Police Force, The National Corrections Centre, The National Human Rights Commission, The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and several non governmental organizations were represented.
Dr Joseph: Dr Joseph Ashivor. Team Lead, Prevention, care & Treatment-FHI 360 Global Fund National Alligned HIV Initiative project, anchored the event
Also in attendance was the Technical Director of our Project, Dr Philip Imohi
who represented the FHI 360 Country Director, Dr Iorwakwagh Apera and The Project Director, Mrs Christiana Laniyan
About The Launch
The event was sponsored by the Global Fund. Through FHI 360 collaborated with the FMoH, UNODC, WHO, NACA, NDLEA, NPF and other agencies to launch the MAT guideline and SOP to facilitate implementation of Medication assisted treatment (MAT) as treatment for problematic opioid users in Nigeria
Preparations for the Launch was preceded by orientation of Stakeholders from the states (Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwaibom, Abia, Oyo and Gombe) currently implementing Harm reduction intervention for persons who use drugs. The orientation was sponsored by the GF and was held in Lagos in May, 2023.
