Jose Luis Vazquez Martinez

COVID-19 and the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, CICAD

Jose Luis Vazquez Martinez - 8 May 2020

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Source: http://www.cicad.oas.org/mem/distribution/documents/COVID_19_Demand_Reduction_%20Recommendations_version_Apr_30_ENG.pdf

 

The world is in the midst of a global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) are faced with the urgent need to implement public health and safety measures to prevent transmission of the virus.

 

To ensure the care and protection of individuals currently undergoing substance use treatment, as well as service providers working in treatment centers, the Experts Group on Demand Reduction of the OAS’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), chaired by Colombia and vice-chaired by Paraguay, developed this document with recommendations for OAS member states. Drafted in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the recommendations take into account crucial issues that need to be addressed during this emergency, including those related to health services for people in drug treatment, those providing services to the homeless population, and health care professionals.