Discrepancies of NACO. An open letter to the NACO DG

[Guest guest]

*AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NACO DG!!!*

The drug using populace extend its profound support and gratitude towards the

NACOs D.G in their endeavors to adequately address the needs and requirements of

the drug using community, as NACO prepare it self for the NACP phase III.

However, we write to express our deep concern that there are still numerous gaps

to address in the practical implementations of NACP III that otherwise could

lead to various difficulties and inconvenience among the beneficiaries.

In this regards, strengthening the based implementation of the policy and

program of NACP III for achieving maximum result in the ultimate goal of

achieving Harm Reduction, Care and Support and drug treatment is highly required

at the present juncture for there are many more

potential beneficiaries including professionals who are yet to avail the said

program and who has shied away from the same due to the gaps in the said

program.

Moreover, in the event of having no concrete policies or ethics on the basis of

a set of values like public interest, service transparency, accountability and

participation of beneficiaries, regarding the implementation of the same by

NACO, the framing and incorporation of the same is highly imperative considering

the service of IDUs is highly imperative.

Therefore, in order to filled in the gaps as mentioned above for striving

towards better implementation of the said program, a more meaningful and greater

involvement of IDUs in policy making programmes and representation of IDUs in

key committees are render highly necessary in order to enable the implementing

agencies in providing qualitative strive and reach out to each and every

potential members.

We believed that people who inject drugs themselves are often best able to

identify what's works in their community that others knew little about. Their

voices need to be heard to ensure the shaping of effective response to blood

borne epidemic.

In addition to the practical benefits, there are ethical Human Rights imperative

that required greater involvement of people using drugs.

The rationale for involvement is essentially the ethical premise that all people

should have the right to be involved in this decision affecting their lives.

Grater involvement is a specific expression of the right to participation –

exemplified by the right to 'take part in the conduct of public affairs'.

(International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, Article 25).

We believe that in consistent with the UN International guideline on

HIV/AIDS and human rights which required that representative of vulnerable

groups such as IDUs be involve in consultation and in planning and delivery of

services, *NACO obliged by calling for Northeast IDU consultant on NACO panel a

few month back (18th May 2007).

Well, individual analyst who has been called for the said interview opined that

such things are only eyewash and kept under wraps.

While people who had opted out of such opportunities are being maneuver to wand

the decision/policy making stick. What happen to

the RTI Act? Everything seems to goes awry if ever it happens to be among the

marginalized and disadvantages groups. Such policies disregard the available

scientific and ethical evidence, and in doing so directly contribute to the

harms associated with injecting drug use.

Are you listening, *Madam DG?*

We are least bothered about the consultant whether it's all about IDUs or not,

but we are more concern about the consultancy involving our lives.

With regards

Tomba. M.

An activist of IDUs

e-mail: <tombameitei@...>