1. Local solutions for local drug problems Background History of Military dictatorship followed by centralized democracy Now process of decentralization and involvement of civil society Growing drug and Aids related problems Potential of human capital, but still too many ad hoc interventions Interest in European way of handling the drug/Aids issue (versus American influence)

2. Local solutions for local drug problems Philosophy Local solutions for local problems Sensitivity to local setting Involvement of local community Creating synergy Stimulating a sensible drug policy –drug prevention –abstinent oriented treatment –harm reduction interventions –supply reduction with a humane face

3. Local solutions for local drug problems Organizations involved International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) RELARD (Latin American Harm Reduction Network) REDUC (Brazilian Harm Reduction Network) URB-AL UNAIDS PROAD- Sao Paulo, Brazil Quest for Quality Amsterdam, NL

4. Local solutions for local drug problems Procedure Orientation visit to 7 cities (1999) –Meetings with key-persons and institutes –Local proposals based on ‘mother plan’ –Assessment proposals by international group Pilot phase in 3 cities (2000) –3-day seminar –Follow-up meeting Evaluation (end 2000) If successful: continuation

5. Local solutions for local drug problems History Founding of RELARD (Feb. 1998) HR Conference São Paulo (March 1998) Meeting in Buenos Aires (Oct. 1998) Meeting in São Paulo and founding of Brazilian Harm Reduction Network - REDUC (Oct 1998) International Group (early 1999) First draft ‘mother plan’ (Feb. 1999) support from UNAIDS/Relard (March 1999)

6. Local solutions for local drug problems Cities visited Rosario, Argentina (June 1999) Santiago, Chile (June 1999) La Paz, Bolivia (August 1999) São Luis, Brazil (August 1999) Montevideo, Uruguay (October 1999) Curitiba, Brazil (October 1999) Recife, Brazil (October 1999)

7. Local solutions for local drug problems Proposals By December 1st, 1999, all seven cities had submitted a proposal to the international group. The proposals were assessed and rated. Three cities were chosen for the pilot phase: –Curitiba –Santiago –Recife

8. Local solutions for local drug problems Seminars Curitiba: March 2000 Santiago de Chile: June 2000 Recife: September 2000 Evaluation: in Rio de Janeiro in November 2000

9. Local solutions for local drug problems Update For the latest information check the website: www.latseminar.org