Presenter: Beverly Reynolds, DPM, Health Sector Development Towards a Regional Demand Reduction Strategy:The Role of Research in Assessing the Problem and Evaluating the Progress Presenter: Beverly Reynolds, DPM, Health Sector Development CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Objectives Why Conduct Research? Why a Regional Demand Reduction Strategy? How well are we Doing? To offer some possible Solutions for moving from Lab to Life Identify New Frontiers for Research CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Why Research? Increase body of knowledge Inform theory, practice and policy Assessing the problem Identify appropriate treatment Improve quality of care Influence political decisions CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Why Research Monitoring and Evaluation Goodness of fit between, and relevance of interventions to problem Make timely changes/adjustments Document progress Funding Provide Cost–effective options Maximize use of scarce resources CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Common Features and Concerns Small Island States Vulnerable Economies Large, youthful population High un/under employment Negative impact of drugs on social and economic development Scarce Resources CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Common Goals and Objectives Reduce/Eliminate the demand for drugs Improved quality of life for our populations Sustaining developmental gains made at national and regional levels Improving goodwill and international image Common Goals and Objectives CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

The Regional Strategic framework for Drug Demand Reduction Developed in 2000 Endorsed by 7TH COHSOD in 2001 Priority Areas: Policy Development Prevention Education Treatment & Rehabilitation Research/Surveillance Management and Coordination CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

How Well Are We Doing? Do we have a body of knowledge on demand issues that is specific to the Region? Are we operating within a theoretical framework? Do we conduct cost benefit analysis for programmes? Do we evaluate effect of interventions? Are our programmes targeted? Are we conducting research to improve standards and quality of of care? The extent to which we can answer these questions determine how well we are doing CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Challenges Lack of human and financial resources Externally-driven drug reduction agenda Inadequate/lack of institutional framework to coordinate and implement strategy Cultural Perception and Practices CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Challenges Nature of the subject Data collection and management systems Political Support Linking Policy to Research – Lab to Life CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Moving From Lab to Life Strengthen Partnerships Engage Political directorate Review Roles and definitions of players Integrated Policy framework/guidelines Adopting a public health approach for substance abuse Innovations in Research CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

Moving From Lab to Life Establishment of Regional Body to coordinate and monitor implementation of Strategy Sharing Best Practices Technical Co-operation Maximizing comparative advantage of donor partners Capacity-building CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018

New Frontiers for Research HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Mental Health and Substance Abuse Economic and Social Impact CARICOM Secretariat 9/17/2018