1. Drug dependency in the Roma community: Facts and responsibilities Hanna Dobronauteanu, M.D. Counselor of Minister, Ministry of Health, Romania

2. Contents Thinking skill on Chance of intervention in social phenomena What do we Know? What do we Do?

3. What do we Know? In Romania Since 1990 increases yearly the prevalence of drug abuse Since 1990 increases yearly the prevalence of drug abuse Social-economical motivation is the most frequent involved Social-economical motivation is the most frequent involved Drug abuse started to affect members of Roma communities from big cities Drug abuse started to affect members of Roma communities from big cities

4. What do we Know? Drug abuse & situation of Roma people = two of society’s “health indicators” Drug abuse & situation of Roma people = two of society’s “health indicators” In both of these problems information obtained from registered data are relative  iceberg effect In both of these problems information obtained from registered data are relative  iceberg effect Solution of drug abuse among Roma implies firstly the capacity to solve basic social phenomena Solution of drug abuse among Roma implies firstly the capacity to solve basic social phenomena

5. Chance of intervention in social phenomena Legislation Economy Sociology - Psychology

6. What do we Do? Starting a new age 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Government Strategy & Action Plan to improve Roma situation National Anti-drug Agency Health mediators in Roma communities Government Strategy & Action Plan to combat drug

7. Intervention in social phenomena Legislation Economy Sociology - Psychology

8. Who can influence society’s health indicators? International organizations International organizations Government & NGO Government & NGO All of us – individually, one by one All of us – individually, one by one

9. Drug dependency in the Roma community: Can we Stop the Process? Yes, if we are able to offer Information Information Preventive services & medical care Preventive services & medical care Reason to live real life Reason to live real life

10. PEOPLE MAKE THE FINAL CHOICES “PEOPLE - not programs, plans, or technologies - MAKE THE FINAL CHOICES about what to do and how to do it.” Bill Jensen (Simplicity: The New Competitive Advantage in a World of More, Better, Faster)