Drug use in Latin America: the OAS is studying the issue
The executive secretary of the Inter-American struggle against Drug Abuse (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), Paul Simons, said at the 13th meeting of the Panel of the reduction application of drugs, that drug addiction was "a chronic and recurring to be considered a key component of public health policy."
In his view, the purpose of this meeting, which took place from 27 to 29 September in Washington, was to share the experience of each of these 22 countries to strengthen efforts to reduce drug use, promote prevention and improve treatment and social reintegration of drug addicts.
"In recent years in Central America, there has been an increase in domestic consumption and drug trafficking. All countries have significant challenges in the field of drug consumption. In addition to fighting the supply side, efforts to reduce demand should be made, "said Paul Simons. Latter, however, he observed that during the last decade, there was a regional trend to favor the establishment of policies to reduce consumption.
For its part, the chairman of the panel, David K. Mineta, argued that drug use can be reduced without "proper application of the law, the strengthening of judicial systems and citizen security." He also stressed that the Plan of Action against drug use recently adopted by the General Assembly of the OAS was "a lasting contribution to the knowledge and ability to reduce the consequences" of this problem the continent.
All recommendations made at this meeting will be evaluated in May by CICAD to be approved.