This project will strengthen Ukraine’s drug-policy framework by improving data systems, surveillance and early-warning mechanisms, as well as by building effective services for the prevention, diagnosis and management of disorders related to psychoactive substance use—fully aligned with national public-health priorities.
Contexte
Drug and alcohol use in Ukraine represent a major public-health challenge. Exacerbated with the war and its psychosocial consequences, they pose immediate threats to Ukrainians’ health, including increased risks for HIV and tuberculosis. Current care provision for addictions remains largely focused on emergency response. Ukraine is committed to strengthening its drug-policy framework through an evidence-based approach to address rapidly evolving patterns of use.
Description
The project contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s overall drug policy framework while enhancing the institutional capacity of the Public Health Centre, the national lead on psychoactive-substance-use issues — through:
- Surveillance & Data: developing an early-warning system for new psychoactive substances and strengthening health-facility capacity to detect both emerging and existing substances;
- Governance and Policy: strengthening the institutional capacity of the Public Health Centre’s to coordinate drug-policy responses;
- Human Resources Strengthening: building the skills of medical and non-medical providers through training programs and webinars;
- Service Expansion: increasing access to medical and psychosocial services for people with chronic substance-use disorders, including piloting integrated models of care in selected regions.
Impact
The project seeks to catalyse a systemic shift in Ukraine’s response to substance use by reinforcing policy foundations, strengthening service delivery, enhancing professional capacity and improving data systems. It will consolidate the Public Health Centre’s coordinating role, introduce rapid-alert mechanisms for emerging substances and expand access to integrated, person-centred care. L’Initiative also supports Ukraine’s European integration by promoting health-system reforms grounded in human rights, public health and international best practices.
