The 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was held in Vienna, Austria, from March 10–14, 2025. As the primary policy-making body of the United Nations on drug-related matters, the CND plays a pivotal role in shaping global drug policy, overseeing the implementation of international drug control treaties, and responding to emerging challenges in drug demand and supply reduction. The annual session brings together member states, UN agencies, civil society organizations, scientists, and law enforcement bodies to review global drug trends, exchange best practices, and negotiate...

This week, we say goodbye to our dear friend and mentor, Jeff Lee, the founding Executive Director of ISSUP. Jeff was a steadfast advocate for the professionalization of prevention, insisting that those working in this field should be appropriately specialized. He often reminded us that while generalists and treatment specialists are well-meaning and deeply embedded within their communities, they are not always best placed to develop and implement evidence-based prevention systems. Jeff emphasized that prevention must be treated as a distinct science—one that is grounded in rigorous research...

The African Union Commission (AUC) has held an annual continental consultation for Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) since 2015.  AUC member states are each represented by their respective DDR national focal points, allowing member states an opportunity to present national DDR activities in a peer-review platform that also allows engagement with invited subject matter experts.  This year’s consultation was held in Arusha, Tanzania from 10-13 December 2024, and included Traditional Leaders from Southern Africa. The theme for this year’s consultation was “Prevention is better than Cure: Towards...

ISSUP Kenya recently ran the INEP Plus course in Kenya with a cohort of five (5) participants successfully completing the course and earning recognition for their efforts. These participants are addiction counselors with diverse specializations within the field of drug demand reduction.

The graduation ceremony was marked by a celebratory dinner and an insightful discussion on strategies for implementing the INEP Plus learnings within the Kenyan landscape of substance use prevention. The event provided a unique opportunity for the participants to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches...

Don't miss our latest newsletter for details of recent meetings and activities in Latin America and Africa. This issue also includes information on how to gain advanced clinical skills with the UTC16 Self Led Course.

Read it here: Issue 182

Dr Jackie Anundo ISSUP -KENYA  Secretary, attended a 2-day summit hosted by the Police, Treatment and Community  Collaborative (PTACC). PTACC is an organisation that seeks to strategically enhance the quantity and quality of community behavioural health and social service options through engagement in deflection and pre-arrest diversion

PTACC is presently driving an initiative to promote Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI). Dr Anundo attended the summit on behalf of ISSUP Kenya. Also present was Dr Beatrice Kathungu, former ISSUP Kenya Executive Committee member and Regional Coordinator for...