UNODC Corruption related to drug use disorders - Elizabeth Sáenz, Alice UHL, Léna NGNOGUE, Day 5,11:00-12:31

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 16th May, 2022

Presentation:

• UNODC Corruption related to drug use disorders - Elizabeth Sáenz, Alice UHL, Léna NGNOGUE

Abstract:

• UNODC Corruption related to drug use disorders - Elizabeth Sáenz, Alice UHL, Léna NGNOGUE

Corruption is a significant threat to global development, democracy, and human well-being. It undermines the national capacities of governments and leaves behind the most vulnerable of our society. While comprehensive research on corruption in the general health sector already exists, corruption in drug treatment remains unexplored, regardless of the serious threat it puts to public health. Drug use disorder is a complex, chronic, and relapsing disease associated with significant health risks. The disease arises from an interaction of various individual, biological, and socioeconomic factors. People with drug use disorders face discrimination and stigma, making them the most vulnerable in our society and exposing them to the risk of corruption. An increase in reports of corruption in drug treatment facilities such as insurance fraud, patients brokering, data manipulation and privacy violations highlights the urgent call for action. Decision-making points where corruption happens need to be investigated, and existing anti-corruption mechanisms need to be adapted to the specific needs of people with drug use disorders, focusing on their vulnerability.

Learning objectives

• Why corruption in drug treatment should concern us all
• Why corruption in drug treatment matters
• Why corruption in drug treatment affects us all

Other Authors:

• Alice UHL
• Léna NGNOGUE