rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

While there has been much discussion about
introducing drug and alcohol surveillance
systems in the PICTs, a separate analysis
on the appropriateness of such systems on
islands with small population bases requires
careful consideration. Given there is little or
no specific funding allocated to alcohol and
other drug programs in the Pacific, scrutiny
of the purpose of such a surveillance system
and its cost-effectiveness, compared to the
provision of a broader range of treatment
services, is necessary. Currently, treatment
services are largely delivered via mental
health programs and, in some instances, via
counselling programs. Little was identified in
the way of treatment options beyond these.
1.12 Recommendations
International development programming
in the Pacific has already laid much of the
groundwork for framing a response to substance
use issues in the region. Although
not always fully satisfactory, successive programs
have highlighted risks and challenges
for working in the Pacific. In 2004–05 the
previous situational analysis of drug issues
in the Asia–Pacific region included six Pacific
countries. An apparent dearth of data led to
the establishment of the Pacific Drug and
Alcohol Research Network (PDARN) in 2005.
This 2008–09 situational analysis details 16
Pacific countries, seeking to increase the current
understanding of substance use issues,
responses and data and programming gaps
in the region.
In resource-limited settings, an effective
response depends on using existing programs
and data sources, while recognising
that in the long term the evidence base for
effective interventions in this region needs to
be improved. In addition, engaging existing
service providers and recognising the cultural
and economic context are essential
for success. Accordingly, the recommendations
comprise immediate short-term
actions (6–12 months) and long-term goals
(2–7 years). They are further divided into
three categories: surveillance; research; and
response development.
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Regional overview