.....another week in the journey to integrating CLCP in the Mauritian context!

[Onesmus Mutuku]

Our week ends with some magical reflections from SALT visits to homes and conversations with majorly Heroin(Brown Sugar) Injecting Drug Users(IDUs) in the most 'perceived' insecure zones in Port Louis. During the Visit we have conversation with Health staff in 3 Methadone distribution Center run by the Ministry of Health under the Drug Unit. We are invited by Dr Anil to accompany him during the visit. He is Responsible for the Methadone Program in the Whole of Mauritius and he is in the journey of facilitating the Delivery of Drug Control Master plan for the Country before the next Budget. He see the links on how a link and a  combination of community engagement strategy and Harm reduction interventions (done at health facility level) being implemented by the Government can turn things around. In his reflections;

'' The drug addicts were surprised to see the Team together with Doctors visiting. They have never experienced this before. They come to the Health facility to see the Doctors and other health staff whenever they have health problems. Constellation approach is very different,during the conversation, the patients feel encouraged - helps them feel they are worth. I wish all Health/social workers could learn this approach, "added Dr Anil. 

" We are changing, we are getting better and our health is improving. We have families and children and we need to work and earn a living. Our concern is that, we can not get certificate of good conduct to enable us get jobs," Drug addict - Saint Croix Street. 

'' i was motivated to come to this center because i want to change,i am a father with 5 children, i have been spending a lot of money on drugs instead of supporting my family with basics they need. " Drug addict patient - Saint Croix Methadone Day care Clinic. 

*Ministry of Health is a member of the Drug platform 

_________________More coming in the weeks ahead__________________

[John Mutua]

Thanks Onesmus for the updates of CLCP in the Mauritian context.The 'I wish all health/social workers could learn the approach' is a push for me to keep it happening!

 

[Jan Somers]

Encouraging indeed !

[Jean-Louis Lamboray]

Thank you Onesmus and Joke! This is so encouraging!

[Marlou]

Creating space for sharing in communities!

[ABEDNEGO KITHEKA MUTUNGWA]

Thanks Onemus for keeping us posted ,encouraging great there are avenues for conversation with drug addict,