Dristi Nepal (By and for female drug users organization in Nepal) Di Dristi inepal was the first organization i to be established by and for female drug user s to deliver services in Nepal. We are based in Kathmandu and were established in 2006 - (initiated from the day care centre). Dristi Nepal was initially supported by the families of the founder members, Rotary Clubs and the wider community. www.dristinepal.org
Services Available at Dristi Nepal First Drop-In In-Centre -(by and for female drug users). CapacityBuilding Program for the FIDUs /DUs. Drugs and HIV Awareness Program. Rehabilitation Centre. Treatment for Dependency with Substitution Therapy. Information ato Centre e in Eastern Region. Primary Health Care. Needle /Syringe Exchange Program &Free Condoms. Harm Reduction Peer Education.
Problems and Challenges for Female Drug Users. Multiple stigma & discrimination - experienced by women in particular. Gaps: Harm Reduction Programs, Rehabilitation Centres, Advocacy, Health Care Services, Voluntary Counselling Testing Centres and an enabling environment for our peers. Minimal free treatment. High expectations from peers and family members. Human rights violations from the authorities, their sexual partners and society. Sex work and even unwanted pregnancy rates are very high among them. Hard to access resources, education, information, and health care. Lack of legal support and strategic direction with appropriate policies, guidance and standards. Networks are yet to seriously value our existence, comprehensively address our issues, or, collaborate and coordinate for the inclusion of our group.
Achievements 161 female drug users consulted via regional group discussions, outreach and contact through the rehabilitation centre. We documented the situation of 139 female drug users in Nepal. Partner organizations: Futures Group International, Youth Vision, UNODC. 23 staff in the organization who are female ex-drug users. Regional office in the Eastern area of Nepal. (Drug & Alcohol) Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre. Educational and other support for the children of FIDUs/FDUs. Day Care Service To meet basic living needs, e.g. Hygiene &Nutrition. Fundraising /Public Partnership to raise the issues within the community thus, to enable and sustain self supported programs.
Dristi Nepal Statistics Date to present No. Source January 2007 85 Treatment Centre October 2006 76 Outreach December 2008 46 Drop-In Centre November 2008 35 Regional Office Dristi Nepal recognizes that it needs to develop improved monitoring systems to record the work and activities undertaken.
Recommendations Research to establish HOW MANY female drug users there are in Npl Nepal. A comprehensive NEEDS ANALYSIS and an appropriate response in relation to women and theirspecific hi ifi issues. Robust strategic planning (and governmental involvement) to include the issues of all marginalized groups. A National Plan to ensure the effective implementation of any recommendations and efficient delivery of services. A genuine commitment with investment and financial resources to enable the development of needs and user-led services. www.dristinepal.org
THANK YOU Your support would be very much appreciated! Please visit our website :- www.dristinepal.org Kathmandu, Nepal.