The training “Improving the quality and sustainability of services of program of Substitution maintenance therapy through community efforts” was held yesterday, 16, April, within the project “PITCH: Partnership to Inspire, Transform and Connect the HIV response”.

At the event, an initiative group was established from the participants of Substitution maintenance therapy (SMT) and injecting drug users (IDU) for discussion of the quality of the drug methadone and buprenorphine ZN.

It should be noted that complaints of health problems that cause these medications, including sleep and nervous system disorders, depression, lack of energy and energy, are constantly reported from patients. In addition, according to program participants, medications have a short duration of action, which quickly leads to a “withdrawal syndrome”.

At the training the ways of influencing the situation were considered and the further steps to purchase of medications from other producers developed. The participants of the event wrote complaints and sent them to the appropriate authorities.

In the future, “Convictus Ukraine” plans to monitor the situation and encourage SMT patients to be full members of society.

The Partnership to Inspire, Transform and Connect HIV response (PITCH) helps people who are most affected by HIV to receive full and equal access to HIV and reproductive health services.

The program strengthens the capability of community organizations to support the rights of groups most affected by HIV, through active participation in advocacy, the gathering of a solid evidence base and the development of meaningful policy decisions.

PITCH is a strategic partnership between Aidsfonds, the International HIV / AIDS Alliance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Photo: novostipmr.com