By Marilyn King
FREETOWN, July 13 (SALONE TIMES) –The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) one of the supervisory agencies under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in collaboration with ECOWAS, Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital (SLPTH) on Tuesday 12th July 2022 held a Training of Drug Demand Reduction and Health Care Professionals through the universal Treatment Curriculum(UTC)/ Colombo Plan Phase3, Course 6, 7, & 8, at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital in Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Matron of Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Keikura A Brima, welcomed the Master Trainers. He furthered that the trainees were very appreciative and that people worldwide were using all sorts of drugs as if they were scientists going to the lab manufacturing all kinds of drugs just to make them high. He stated that they were the first sets of professionals and that they were very lucky to be part of the training so that they would go out to take care of their brothers and sisters in order to take care of their psychological as well physical aspects that the drugs might cause.
Daniel Amankwaah, ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division said the training was very strategic because ECOWAS supported Sierra Leone to have the rehabilitation Centre. He continued that they also have one in Ghana, one in Togo, and two in Nigeria. He promised that they were putting strategies in place to get rehabilitation centres so that people who are suffering from drug use disorders can be assisted. He pointed out that it was useless putting people who are using drugs in prisons. It is merely a waste of time and resources keeping people who are addicted in prison without supporting them, he said. He said they will prepare themselves for the shift in policy towards seeing drug users as people who need help, and the help will come from the Heath Care Professionals to render the help.
The Executive Director of NDLEA, Abdul S Kargbo, said the program comprises eight modules and when successfully completed and final external exams passed, could lead to international credentialing as Certified Addiction Professionals (ICAP). He furthered that this Phase 3 covers Modules 6-Case Management for Addiction Professionals, Modules 7 – Crisis intervention for Addiction Professionals, Module 8- Ethics for Addiction Professionals. He extended another big welcome to Freetown, Sierra Leone to Mr. Daniel Amankwaah, and their two UTC Master Trainers, Mrs Judith Kokui Azumah, and Godlove Vanden Bossche. He acknowledged the immense support and collaboration of hardworking team, at the SLPTH and hoped that their efforts and collaboration continue to pay dividends in their drive to reduce substance abuse in Sierra Leone. He furthered that they are all present at the training because the stark reality is that there is a growing problem of substance abuse and consumption in the country, despite, the best efforts of government. He continued saying that this has led the Health, Economic and Social problems. “He said it is undermining the peace, safety, and stability of our neighborhoods, our Families, and our Society. Statistics from this hospital about individuals with drug related psychosis attests to that fact’.
He said the Universal Treatment Curriculum of the Drug Advisory Program (DAP) is part of the Colombo plan aimed at capacity building for drug demand reduction Professionals, providing technical support for treatment professionals providing services drug dependents of all genders and ages. He said the training will enhance professionalism in drug treatment and care, for people with drug use disorders and to enhance the operation of the treatment and rehabilitation centers.
He reiterated that the expected outcomes are, Fifty-two training hours, i.e. eight days, updated knowledge in substance use disorders (SUD) and related issues, enhanced skills relating to SUD treatment, Increase the drug treatment professional working force in Sierra Leone, Improve service delivery for people with substance use disorders in Sierra Leone. In his conclusion he thanked Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne Commissioner Social Affairs and Gender, Dr. Sintiki Ugbe, Mr. Daniel Amankwaah and the ECOWAS Commission for continuously supporting Sierra Leone.
