Facing Drug Challenges: the EUDA Vision on Health and Social Responses

ABSTRACT

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) supports countries in developing effective, evidence-informed and people-centred responses to drug-related challenges. This presentation will outline the EUDA vision on health and social responses, bringing together evidence, implementation support, capacity building and professional development.

As drug markets, patterns of use and related harms continue to evolve, effective responses require more than the production of evidence. They depend on the capacity of systems and professionals to translate knowledge into practice, adapt interventions to different populations and settings, and work across professional and sectoral boundaries.

The presentation will provide an overview of the EUDA approach to supporting countries in this process, including the development and dissemination of evidence, standards and practical tools, alongside activities aimed at strengthening professional competencies and networks. Particular attention will be given to training and capacity-building initiatives, including the European Prevention Curriculum and its different levels of training, Training of Trainers activities, the Agency’s Winter and Summer Schools, support for early-career professionals, and emerging initiatives across prevention, treatment, harm reduction and social reintegration.

It will also highlight the EUDA’s engagement with international professional networks, including ISSUP, as part of a broader effort to strengthen workforce development, exchange expertise and connect European initiatives with the international community.

The overall aim is to illustrate how the EUDA seeks to support stronger and more responsive systems by connecting evidence, implementation, professional development and collaboration