The Lisbon-based Instituto Superior das Ciências do Trabalho e da Empresa (ISCTE) and the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) are currently collaborating on a summer school programme entitled: ‘Illicit drugs in Europe: supply, demand and public policies’. Registration opens today for the course which will take place in Lisbon from 2–13 July 2012.

During the two-week course, EMCDDA scientific experts, ISCTE-professors and policymakers, will prepare participants to meet the complex policy challenges in this field, by providing a multi-disciplinary and inclusive approach to the study of the drug problem, both in Europe and beyond.

 of the summer school focuses on ‘Defining the problems’ and will feature lectures on ‘Problem drug use in Europe’, ‘Drug supply in Europe’ and ‘Detecting new drugs’.

 explores ‘Understanding drug policies and interventions’ with lectures on ‘(Inter)national drug policies’, ‘Preventing drug use’ and ‘Harm reduction’ and ‘Prison health’.

The target audiences for the summer school are university students (undergraduate and graduate), researchers, professionals and administrators interested or working in the drugs field.

ECTS credits will be given for the courses and students can transfer credits to other European universities using the ECTS-system.

Further information on the summer school programme, fees and location is available on the website.

First phase: 15 December–15 March (discount for registration in this phase)

Applicants must send a completed application form, a CV and a proof of payment of the inscription fees to this address.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.

Escuela europea de verano sobre drogas ilícitas organizada por ISCTE-OEDT

The African Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) announces the Tenth in its series of highly regarded biennial international conference on drugs in Africa scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in July 2012. The organizers invite you to this very important conference, which will focus attention on the social and cultural determinants of substance use and abuse in different African societies. Interested researchers in various academic disciplines, policy experts, practitioners, activists, and students are encouraged to submit abstracts of papers for presentation at the conference.

Social Determinants of Substance Abuse in African Societies From Understanding to Action

Social and cultural factors in the initiation of alcohol and drug use

Marketing and promotion of tobacco and alcohol

The role of urbanization and globalization in the availability and use of licit and illicit drugs ­

Family, media, community and peer influences on drug use ­

Cultural beliefs and practices that encourage alcohol and drug abuse

Use and abuse of indigenous psychoactive substances

Production and trafficking of illicit drugs

Confronting the social determinants of substance abuse through prevention and treatment

Effective national policy options to address the health and social burden of drug and alcohol abuse ­

Community action to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm

Receipt of abstracts and proposals: 16 March 2012

General N20,000 ($200 for foreign participants), Undergraduate Students N10,000. (Registration fee covers lunch for 2 days, tea/coffee and conference materials)

Special session on Abuse of Indigenous Psychoactive Substances

Workshop on “Publishing addiction science”

For more information about registration, travel and accommodation please visit www.crisanet.org or contact any of the following:

Dr Andrew Zamani Phone: +234 805 958 1331 Email: zamaning@yahoo.com

Okokon Umoh Phone: +234 802 756 1365 Email: crisa2010@yahoo.com

Conference Secretariat: Suite 112, 10 Algiers Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, Nigeria. Email: info@crisanet.org

X Conferencia Bianual sobre drogas, alcohol y sociedades en África 

The course aims to situate drug policies globally within a framework of fundamental human rights, and to assess the extent to which country and international drug policies fail to meet human rights standards.

Discussion will focus partly on the identification and understanding of human rights including those that have their basis in international agreements and laws, and in part on evaluation and assessment of the gap between rights and practice in the implementation of drug policies in many countries and regions. The focus of the course will be global and participants will be drawn from all regions internationally.

A mix of teaching modes will be used and faculty are encouraged to minimise the use of formal lectures. Emphasis will be on discussion and interactive learning with maximal use of written and non-written materials. There exist considerable amounts of audio-visual media and these will be extensively used as a basis for group discussion. Time will be allocated for personal reading and participants will be
encouraged to interact personally with faculty so as to deepen understanding of the issues. Site visits and discussions with civil society organisations and groups will be a feature of the programme of activities.

All those attending the course will be provided by CEU with a Certificate of Attendance. Opportunities will also be provided during the course for personal discussions with Faculty. It is intended that further work after the conclusion of the course be encouraged both in respect of research and programme analysis and development. Course faculty will be prepared to provide follow up assistance through
personal agreement with students.

Curso de la Universidad Central Europea – Derechos humanos y políticas de drogas

Please join amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research and the International AIDS Society (IAS) for a day-long conference on 'HIV and drug use. Effectively Addressing the Twin Epidemics: Innovative Strategies for Healthy Communities' prior to the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) in Washington D.C.

Globally, one in ten new HIV infections comes from unsafe injection of illicit drugs. The preconference meeting will highlight innovative programs that take a public health approach to drug use, reducing HIV infection and helping people access health care services. Speakers will include law enforcement officials, medical experts, and civil society representatives from around the world. The preconference meeting will address three interconnected themes:

Advances in policing practice and legal reforms that increase access to treatment for people who use drugs;

Innovations in integrated healthcare services; and

The challenges of bringing interventions to scale.

The meeting will be held from 8.30am to 5.30pm on July 20, 2012 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. A drink will be offered after the closing session. Due to space limitations, this is a registration only meeting and places will be awarded on a first come first served basis.

For more information, please contact: Julie.Pluies@iasociety.org

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert

 Encuentro previo a la Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA: VIH y consumo de drogas

La conferencia presentará información científica nueva y ofrecerá oportunidades para dialogar sobre asuntos globales relativos al VIH/sida. Más información, en inglés, está disponible abajo.

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The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward.

The AIDS 2012 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.

Registration for the XIX International AIDS Conference is now open. All registrations for AIDS 2012 must be submitted through the online registration form. Before you can register, you need to create an online conference profile from which you can enter the registration system. If you already have a conference profile from previous IAS or AIDS conferences you can use the same login details.

For more information on registration, please click here.

AIDS 2012 is now welcoming the submission of abstracts for original contribution to the field in the following five programme tracks:

Track C: Epidemiology and Prevention Science

Track D: Social Science, Human Rights and Political Science

Track E: Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics

For more information on how to submit an abstract, please click here.

Applications for the AIDS 2012 Global Village, Youth Programme, Workshops, Satellites and Exhibition are also now open.

XIX Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA

La red IDHDP está colaborando con la Coalición para la Reducción de Daños (HRC) y el Centro Internacional para la Ciencia en las Políticas de Drogas (ICCDP) para organizar una recepción dirigida a los doctores y doctoras que asistan a la Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA en la zona de reducción de daños/políticas de drogas del pabellón de la Aldea Global. Más información, en inglés, está disponible abajo.

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Monday 23rd July 2012, 6:15 -7:30 PM, Global Village - Harm Reduction/Drug Policy Zone.

IDHDP is partnering with the Harm Reduction Coalition and the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy to co-host a reception to bring doctors attending the AIDS conference to the Harm Reduction/Drug Policy Zone in the Global Village. It will be a great opportunity to meet with other colleagues and enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Come, bring some other doctors and help spread the word about why it is important for doctors to be involved in promoting healthy drug policies.

The event will feature the following confirmed speakers:

Dr Chris Beyrer, Director, Center for Public Health and Human Rights

Dr Evan Wood, Director, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

Allan Clear, Executive Director, Harm Reduction Coalition

Please also note that if you are a member of IDHDP, there will be a members meeting before the event above on Wednesday 25th July 2012 from 2pm - 4pm, Walter E Washington Convention Center (main convention center) All members are invited. Please contact Rebecca if you are able to attend. The room number and agenda will be circulated in due course.

IDHDP will be in the Harm Reduction/Drug Policy Zone in the Global Village throughout the conference. Please visit us there. IDHDP are sharing a booth with the Harm Reduction Coalition.

Eventos

Escuela europea de verano sobre drogas ilícitas organizada por ISCTE-OEDT

X Conferencia Bianual sobre drogas, alcohol y sociedades en África

Curso de la Universidad Central Europea – Derechos humanos y políticas de drogas

Encuentro previo a la Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA: VIH y consumo de drogas

XIX Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA

Recepción de IDHDP en la XIX Conferencia Internacional sobre SIDA