Thanks to a well informed reader for this anonymous comment I received about the new drug policy featured in http://hivinfo4mm.org/new-drug-policy/ and in [him] 2627.

Any replies or more comments?

Jamie

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I agree that there should be a professional consultation process for the drug policy reform work and it should not be rushed. The consultation should include experts, especially from the local/national organizations rather than just overseas specialists only, and of course especially effected communities. During the discussions, I think the standing ground for "harm reduction" could be pretty weak since the concept is not indoctrinated to many important stakeholders including the leaders of the country, decision makers, and government officials etc.

The ideal target of the new policy should be to endorse harm reduction as a fundamental approach to solve drug issues in Myanmar where injecting drug use is still a major problem in the country. However, since there are resistance towards usage of the word "harm reduction" not only at the local level but also at the UN level, I think perhaps it would be much more efficient if we could highlight the availability and accessibility of services for drug users who have problems. This should encompass voluntary, quality health services recommended by the WHO for people who inject/use drugs. And whichever services drug users been referred to, whether treatment or even rehabilitation units, it must be voluntary and set according to the international health and human rights standards.

The consultation process should be transparent. Just one crucial point is the public opinion on drug users and other drug related issues is still very narrow in Myanmar. Because of years of influence under the propaganda that "drugs are bad", there is a huge stigma towards drug users and other minor offenders. This could be the limitation to transform into a more progressive drug policies in this country in a short period of time.

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