Drug abuse is a global problem. It destroys lives and communities and affects people worldwide, in all countries. Drug abuse has devastating social and economic consequences for all members of the community and society. Over the years, it has become clear that the drug problem needs to be addressed both in terms of demand and supply reduction, interconnected issues which must be incorporated as part of an integral drug control strategy.

Governments are increasingly establishing integrated demand and supply reduction approaches and strategies, however, in many cases there is still a lack of coordination between relevant agencies.

Israel would like to share some of its experience in assisting other countries to incorporate demand reduction approaches into their national drug control strategies, while emphasizing the essential need for effective cooperation and coordination between the relevant government ministries and non-governmental entities involved in the battle against drugs.

Since 1988, Israel's drug control efforts have been coordinated by the Israel Anti- Drug Authority (IADA). IADA is a statutory corporation, established by virtue of the "Drug Control Authority Law, 5748-1988". Under IADA's umbrella, professionals in government and non-governmental agencies work together to rid Israel of the plague of drugs. This cooperation and coordination stretches across all areas of drug control, from prevention and treatment, to law enforcement. Key to Israel's drug control strategy is the issue of demand reduction, which is an integral aspect of the national strategy.

Demand reduction is addressed at all levels, with programs ranging from primary prevention programs at schools and in the communities and prevention programs for soldiers in the IDF to harm reduction programs aimed at drug abusers. Programs are based on the belief that different communities and subpopulations have different needs, and all programs are culture and gender sensitive. Israel's diverse population is composed in large by immigrants from all over the world. The various predominant religious and ethnic groups, as well as large immigrant populations from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia in particular form a very heterogeneous population with very different backgrounds, cultures and customs. Over the years, Israel has learned to appreciate this diversity and recognizes the populations’ individual needs. With this in mind, it has created culture-sensitive programs, addressing the needs and characteristics of each group. Treatment and rehabilitation programs are offered to all those harmed by drugs, with the belief that each individual needs a different kind of treatment. Programs include drug substitution methods, detox centers and residential treatment facilities, and are tailored specifically for all types of subpopulations, ranging from youth to drug abusers in the prison system.

 -To address the specific needs of the participating countries.

 -To generate personal commitment among course participants to promote drug control efforts in their countries and communities based on the models developed in Israel.

 -To encourage continuing and meaningful partnerships between Israel and the participating delegations, including assistance in the implementation of programs and strategies in their countries.

 -To provide an exceptional platform for exchange of knowledge between participants based on their national experiences.

     -To offer participants an in depth overview of Israel's drug control strategy, based on the work done by the Israel Anti-Drug Authority as the principal coordinating body in the field.

     -To enable participants to learn more in depth about Israel's demand reduction strategy, an integral component of the national drug control strategy, by emphasizing all related issues: prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, community action and more.

     -To stress the importance of coordination between all agencies involved in the country's drug control strategy.

The course will be conducted in the form of lectures and workshops, including group work, interactive teaching, role playing, and other participatory techniques.

Following are some of the topics that will be dealt with during the course:

 -Treatment and Rehabilitation

 -Educational Drug Prevention Programs

 -The Problem of Drug and Alcohol among Addicted Immigrants

 -Crime among Youth in Israel

 -“Where Different Cultures Meet” – Dilemmas and Working Tools

 -The Ministry of Health – Policy and services

 -Police Enforcement of the Law against Drug Abuse

 -General Law Enforcement

 -Tax Enforcement within National Anti-Drug Activities

 -Pharmaceutical Crime Unit’s Projects

 -Community Development at the National and Local Levels

 -Dealing with Parents’ Alcoholism

 -The Importance of Research Findings for Drug Policy

 -Resource Training

The course will be aimed at national professional staff working in the field with UNODC in the different developing countries , as well as professionals representatives from developing countries around the world, in the following areas: prevention, treatment, law enforcement.

Application forms should be sent to the relevant Israeli Mission and to The Ofri Center by or before 4.5.2017

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including the medical form, should be sent to the relevant Israeli mission in the respective country.

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date, and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel/center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included

in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.

The course will be held at The Aharon Ofri MASHAV Educational International Training Center (METC), situated in the Ramat Rachel Hotel on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Participants will be accommodated in double rooms (two participants per room).