Policy and Advocacy: Guest editorial

Project Prevention, an American sterilisation programme that pays problematic drug users either to be sterilised or to accept long-term contraception, is coming to the United Kingdom. Niamh Eastwood argues that, far from alleviating suffering and protecting women and children, the controversial programme is a fundamental attack on the rights of the most vulnerable.

It’s rare to get insights into the realpolitik of parliamentary drug policy making. Matters of Substance took the opportunity to invite this guest editorial from Green member of Parliament and drug policy reformer Nandor Tanczos, who recently announced his retirement from parliament at the end of this term.

While we all sit around in meeting rooms, at conferences and in universities talking, writing and thinking about treatment, have we forgotten the 3 percent of the adult population or more that sits around wondering how to dig themselves out of the hole that is their addiction? In this edition’s guest editorial, and in the spirit of constructive debate, Michael Bird offers ‘a quaint solution to an old problem’.

Despite pleasing indications the US may be considering alternatives to the war on drugs, conflicting words and actions mean any new direction on the part of the Obama administration remains ambiguous, argues Allan Clear.

In 1987 New Zealand established its Needle Exchange Programme (NEP), perhaps the first country to do so on such a comprehensive scale. Now, 20 years on, there are 212 outlets operating nationally and 17 dedicated exchange outlets utilising a peer service model. There are 182 pharmacies and health related organisations providing new, sterile injecting equipment and collection of used items. In our Guest Editorial, Needle Exchange Programme National Manager Charles Henderson writes about the programme’s current status and what should happen to ensure its future.

Early in 2007 ALAC Chief Executive Officer Mike MacAvoy stepped down after 12 years. Incoming CEO, Gerard Vaughan has extensive knowledge and experience within the health sector and is looking forward to applying his skills in the alcohol-related arena. In our Guest Editorial Gerard shares his first impressions of the new role.

The use of alcohol presents a dual challenge in developing societies. Alcohol related problems, including addiction, family violence and so on, become an additional burden on families and communities already struggling with poverty. Perversely, experience shows that, once developing societies have begun to reduce poverty problems and create economic growth, alcohol consumption tends to rise, with a corresponding rise in related harm. In this guest editorial, Øystein Bakke introduces us to these issues.

Policing legislation is under the spotlight. Mike Webb highlights alcohol and other drug related issues that have been explored as part of the government’s review and foreshadows what may feature in a draft bill later this year.

Published in May, the Global State of Harm Reduction 2008 report provides a region-by-region assessment on drug-related HIV and hepatitis C epidemics, as well as the extent of policy and programmatic responses from multilateral agencies, government and civil society. Catherine Cook.

The misuse of alcohol is one of the most significant public health issues facing Australia. At $A15.3 billion per annum, the financial toll on the community is certainly high, but so are the social costs. An increasing number of deaths, mental health issues and diseases are being linked to alcohol. Most frightening of all, says David Templeman, is the blasé attitude people have towards excessive drinking.