Dutch experts to help in drug information system

A drug information system is being set up under a twinning project between the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry and the Dutch Health, Welfare and Sport Ministry.

Launched earlier this year, the twinning project provided the framework for technical assistance and training which will be conducted over the next two weeks.

The Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands is providing the expertise. Members of the National Commission on the Abuse of Drugs, Alcohol and Other Dependencies and some other people who are also working on the project are being trained by the foreign experts.

The National Focal Point for Drugs and Drug Addiction, launched on Tuesday, will enable the development of a drug information system that would facilitate the collection of data related to drug use in the general population, problem drug use, treatment demand, drug-related infectious diseases and drug-related deaths.

The drug information system is expected to enable Malta to monitor the drug situation in its entirety and to have an independent assessment of the prevailing situation based on science.

The system will also provide background material through which the first national report will be compiled by the end of October. This will provide the background material for a National Drug Policy, which will be complemented by the National Drug Strategy.

"This will be in tune with the EU drug strategy currently being drawn up for the years 2005 to 2012. A national action plan will then follow, providing the measures and actions to be put in place in order to achieve objectives," the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry said.

The National Focal Point provides the institutional structure to achieve the necessary monitoring of the progress of any actions. One of the objectives is to reduce blood-borne infections like hepatitis C. The ministry said that having in place an indicator with which to monitor the progress of such actions would provide the means through which the action may be adhered to or altered.

The drug policy will be based on the principle of social inclusion. The ministry stressed the importance that former drug users are reintegrated into society if they are to have a better chance of fulfilling their potential and avoid a relapse.

The National Focal Point also provides the country with the opportunity to participate in the activities of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, with meetings and information exchanges with the heads of focal points from the other 24 EU member states and Norway, the ministry said.